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The Damsterdiep is the canal that lies between the city of Groningen and Delfzijl, where it empties into the Ems. It is named after Appingedam, through which it runs and whose adjective is Damster. The Delf (Damsterdiep) and the Deel (Winsumerdiep) were dug to drain the water that became trapped in the lowlands between the Drents plateau and the salt marsh ridges of the Hogeland. For this purpose, the organisation 'De Acht Zijlvesten' came into being, a cooperation of the landholders of the lowlands, named after the eight side lakes through which they discharged (Bedumerzijl, Kardingerzijl, Mudesterzijl, Vismaarzijl, Wijmerszijl, Garreweersterzijl, Oudezijl and Eelwerderzijl).

In 1370, Middelbert and Engelbert were granted permission to discharge their water into the Eems via the Scharmerzijlvest. In 1424 and 1434, Groningen's Oosterhamrik and Westerhamrik also followed suit. In 1424, it was determined that the Groningers would dig a new drainage canal for this purpose. This is how the section of the Damsterdiep located between Oosterhoogebrug and Dijkshorn came about.

The Groningers also had to contribute to the maintenance of the already existing canal up to Popingeweg (near Ekenstein). According to information in the 'Wierumer Zijlboek', the part of the Damsterdiep located between Ten Post and Winneweer is the result of cutting off some Fivelkronkels which must be dated to around 1435.

With the construction of the Damsterdiep, which not only served water management but was also used as a waterway, the Groningers came into direct contact with Fivelgo, the Ems and Clay-Oldambt. This led to confrontations with the city of Hamburg and local chieftains.

The Damsterdiep played an important role in the economy of the city of Groningen. In fact, when in 1580 the State occupation of Niezijl prevented navigation across the Reitdiep and Lauwerszee, the Damsterdiep was the only connecting road between the city and the sea. For this reason, the State capture of Delfzijl (2 July 1591) was a heavy blow for Groningen. Yet it took another three long years before Prince Maurice and Count Willem Lodewijk succeeded in forcing the city to surrender.