The Dommel was once an important river. It was probably sailed in Roman times. The river probably used to flow faster and was cut deeper into the landscape. This changed when humans intervened and cut down the riparian forests to create hay fields. This process was completed around 1450. Sand was given free rein and here and there the river was cut off and rapids formed. This caused the river to meander. Floods also occurred, partly due to the construction of water mills, for which the water had to be pumped up. In 1863, De Dommel Water Board was founded, in particular to limit flooding. In the 20th century, parts of the Dommel fell victim to canalization or the straightening of the Dommel. This process began around 1890 and extended well into the second half of the 20th century. The aim was to drain the water more quickly and reclaim soil. In the first decade of the 21st century, the Water Board developed plans to give the Dommel a more natural character and to undo the canalization over considerable distances. The source of the Dommel is located on the Kempen plateau near the hamlet of Wauberg in the municipality of Peer in Limburg at 77 meters above sea level. The river reaches the Dutch border via Overpelt and Neerpelt. In 's-Hertogenbosch the Dommel joins the Aa to continue flowing as Dieze.