80%of available water is used each year, causing significant stress
All regions of Belgiumare at high or medium-high risk of water scarcity
95%of sewage is treated in line with EU legislation
The issues affecting Belgium’s waters
Belgium ranks 18th out of the 25 countries that experience extreme water stress every year. This means that it uses most of its renewable water supply every year, increasing its vulnerability to drought. It is the only northern European nation in this position.
Belgium faces water stress due to several factors, including its use of rainwater. Most rainwater runs straight into the sewer, then drains into the sea. This is exacerbated by widespread urban paving, which prevents water from being absorbed into the ground. This rapid drainage prevents proper replenishment of water reserves, which is further impacted by increasingly unpredictable rainfall. To combat this, initiatives are needed to reuse and purify wastewater, as well as to allow more rainwater to soak into the ground.
Pollution is also a major concern in Belgium. Urban and industrial wastewater degrade river quality, particularly in Brussels, while high nitrate levels from agriculture affect water in Flanders. Recent reports on the discovery of PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water in northern Flanders and Wallonia have heightened these concerns.
In 2021 a fatal flood in the Ardennes pushed water preparedness up the political agenda. Record rainfall and poor flood defences resulted in tragedy, emphasizing the impacts of climate change and the urgent need for action
There are solutions to Belgium’s water problems
These involve adopting more circular water usage practices and enhancing collaborations to tackle water scarcity and drought. For example, the Blue Deal initiative, launched by the Government of Flanders and co-funded by the EU, will invest €155 million in projects aimed at improving water management.
Efforts are underway to boost flood resilience. For instance, in Brussels, plans involve facilitating better rainwater infiltration into the soil, which is currently hindered by over-construction in the capital. In Wallonia, new flood prevention have been approved, to help prevent a repeat of the catastrophic floods in 2021.
Action is also being taken against water pollution. The Flemish government has set strict environmental targets to improve water quality and is implementing an action plan to ensure forever chemicals are prevented from contaminating Belgium’s drinking water. Similar measures are being taken in Brussels and Wallonia as well.
By collaborating across Belgium’s regions and working in tandem with neighbouring countries, Belgium can enact meaningful change. It has what it takes to transform the way Belgians manage, use and value water.
Explore water projects in Belgium bringing fresh solutions
The Wetlands4Cities project is working to make cities more resilient when faced with extreme climate events, through nature-based solutions and community-based science.
Researching how rivers and streams react to heavy rainfall can help anticipate floods and avoid future disaster – the EMfloodResilience project is aiming to do just this.
The LIFE Belini project is bringing together partners to improve water quality, boost biodiversity and mitigate flooding in the Scheldt River district.
