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🇧🇪 Belgium /Environment & Climate

Brussels maintains drought alert amid high wildfire risk

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • Brussels remains under a drought code yellow alert due to a lack of rainfall, with no significant precipitation expected in the next 10 days.
  • While drinking water supply is currently normal, the prolonged drought and heatwaves are straining water resources, causing groundwater levels to drop.
  • The risk of wildfires is very high (code orange), and citizens are urged to avoid non-essential water consumption, such as washing cars or filling pools.

Brussels is extending its drought alert to code yellow, a measure first implemented on July 23 due to insufficient rainfall. The Regional Drought Cell of the Brussels-Capital Region announced the decision, noting that no significant precipitation is expected over the next ten days. This prolonged dry spell, coupled with successive heatwaves, is placing considerable pressure on the region's water resources.

While the drinking water supply provided by Vivaqua remains normal, groundwater levels are steadily declining. However, these levels are still considered favorable compared to annual averages, thanks to winter rainfall. The Port of Brussels is implementing measures to maintain water levels in the canal. Despite these efforts, the overall situation in Belgium is trending towards 'dry' to 'extremely dry' conditions.

The drought cell recommends everyone avoid or postpone non-essential water consumption.

— Leefmilieu BrusselOfficial recommendation regarding water usage

The heightened drought conditions have led to a very high risk of wildfires, currently at code orange. In response, the drought cell is strongly advising everyone to avoid or postpone non-essential water use. This includes activities like washing cars, filling swimming pools, unnecessary cleaning of sidewalks and terraces, and watering lawns and plants. These recommendations will remain in effect as long as the drought situation persists. The Brussels drought cell is scheduled to reconvene on August 17 to reassess the situation.

The persistent drought and the succession of heatwaves increase the pressure on the availability of water resources.

— Leefmilieu BrusselExplaining the strain on water resources
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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