Live drought. Water companies guarantee delivery of tap water until September, but advise sparency: “Share swimming pool with your neighbors”
Last weekend 17 percent more consumption
Drinking water consumption in Flanders has risen strikingly last weekend. Figures from the water companies show that an average of 17 percent more water was used than on an average spring weekend. Flemish minister of surroundings Jo Brouns calls on to avoid waste.
A peak of 20 percent was recorded in West and Central Flanders. In the east of Flanders, the increase was between 12 and 14 percent.
Flemish minister Brouns points out that there is currently no reason for panic: « The drinking water supply is insured, and there is no shortage in the short term. But these figures do show that we should be vigilant. Certainly with the continuing drought in prospect, it is important that we are already consciously handling with water, » emphasizes Brouns.
The minister calls on to avoid waste and proposes some simple measures: « Do not spray your lawn unnecessarily, postpone washing the car, and use rainwater where possible. Every small effort helps to prevent bigger problems later. In the future we will be confronted more often with long periods of drying: this must be a new mindset. »
According to the weather forecasts, it will also remain exceptionally dry in the coming period. Minister Brouns therefore repeats his call to take responsibility now. « We are strong as Flemish people when we take care of our natural resources together. And water is perhaps the most precious of all. »
