In 2013, a controlled artificial recharge and drainage (CARD) system was installed in Zeeland, southwestern Netherlands. The CARD system aims at increasing a freshwater lens and freshwater supply for irrigation in an area where both surface water and groundwater are predominantly saline and there is no external supply of freshwater for irrigation. Pauw et al. (2015) published the results of the first year of monitoring after implementation of the CARD system, as well as a model to predict how the development would continue in the following 10 years. Between 2013 and 2025, monitoring of the CARD system has continued, first focusing on following the increase of the freshwater lens and since 2023 also on saltwater upconing below two horizontal drains by means of continuous monitoring systems. The two horizontal wells are used to extract fresh groundwater for irrigation. The model results of Pauw et al. (2015) clearly show an overestimation of the growth of the lens. Drilling and geophysical logging data collected in 2022 indicate more low-permeable layers than were implemented in the model, which could explain the observed limited growth of the lens. These layers also limit the speed at which saline groundwater migrates to the horizontal wells. Although our understanding of the geological context and the spatial distribution of these low-permeable layers should be improved, recently developed models give quantitative insight into the influence of these layers on freshening and salinization. Future work should also focus on water quality and filtration requirements of artificial recharge water, as well as assessing clogging risks of the tile drains, to better assess the potential of CARD systems to increase freshwater supply in the region.