Drought currently has no impact on drinking water production in Flanders

The current drought currently has no impact on the production or stocks of drinking water, said the Flemish water companies, all part of AquaFlanders, and the Flemish Environment Agency on Monday. Nevertheless, it remains important to be economical with water. 

The consumption of tap water has increased in recent weeks, but is not yet abnormally high. Moreover, the water companies are prepared for a longer period of drought. They produce tap water from groundwater or surface water. The groundwater aquifers used for tap water were sufficiently replenished after the winter. Different supply areas are also connected so that they can support each other for the supply of tap water. ​ 

"The fact that the supply of tap water is not a problem at the moment does not mean that we can just leave the tap running," clarifies the Flemish Environment Agency. "We can all do our bit to prevent problems." 

The news comes as Flemish minister for the Environment Zuhal Demir is allotting €20 million to protect an extra thirty Flemish areas against water shortages and drought. The so-called Blue Deal investments should help make Flanders resilient to climate change, and includes both urbanised and agricultural areas. 

(TOM)

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© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK