Is there a totally inflation ban due to persistent drought? West Flanders takes first measures in four areas: « The situation is very serious » (Bruges)
Carl Decaluwé has imposed a captive ban for four uncomfortable river areas. – © Belga
The first prohibition on capture in West Flanders is a fact: water may no longer be pumped up in four river areas. According to governor Carl Decaluwé, the situation is serious. « If this continues for another two weeks, a total ban threatens. »
The province of West Flanders had never had to take drought measures so early in the year. On Friday, temporary withdrawal prohibitions were imposed for the electricity areas of the Rivierbeek, the Heulebeek, the (upper reaches of the) Handzamevaart and the Poekebeek. « To avoid further ecological damage, » it sounds. « The prohibition remains in force as long as the drought persists. » But according to Governor Decaluwé, it doesn’t look good. « No rainfall will be predicted in the coming two weeks, » he says.
« No weeks »
Among other things, the iron basin is gradually becoming the problem. « The water level is fed by the Leie there, » Decaluwé continues. The Flemish Waterweg ensures the maximum supply of the province by distracting water from the Leie and the Scheldt via Ghent to West Flanders. « But this should not take weeks, » says the governor. « If this continues for another two weeks, we have to take heavy measures anyway. And then we have a larger, or perhaps a total captive ban. »
« I can only call for carefully to deal with our water »
Carl Decaluwé
governor
According to the governor, the situation is certainly very serious. The groundwater levels are clearly in a falling trend. Already 91 percent of the measurement points show a low, very low or extremely low groundwater level. The drinking water supply remains guaranteed. « I can only call for carefully to deal with our water, » says Decaluwé. « We will evaluate the situation again in two to three weeks. » (JVE)
