Limburg bans water pumping from non-navigable waterways due to severe drought

In response to critically low water levels and persistent drought conditions, the Belgian province of Limburg is implementing a ban on water extraction from non-navigable waterways and public ditches. The prohibition takes effect tomorrow, with no current restrictions on navigable waterways.

Governor Jos Lantmeeters announced the decision, which follows advice from the Limburg Drought Consultation. This body convened again to assess the deteriorating situation, which has seen water levels drop significantly below normal. "It is currently very dry and the water levels are lower than normal," Lantmeeters stated. "We must therefore take measures so that the planten and animals in the waterways can survive."

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Het is momenteel heel droog en de waterstanden zijn lager dan normaal. We moeten dus maatregelen nemen, zodat de planten en dieren in de waterlopen kunnen overleven.

This measure specifically targets non-navigable watercourses. "For navigable waterways, there is no ban yet," Lantmeeters explained. "Pumping water from there is still possible, but you need approval from the Flemish Waterway."

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Voor bevaarbare waterloopen is er nog geen verbod. Water oppompen daar kan wel nog, maar dan heb je de goedkeuring nodig van de Vlaamse Waterweg.

The governor acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the drought's duration. He recalled a similar prolonged dry spell a few years ago when the pumping ban had to be extended to navigable waterways. "So you never know," he added.

While the drinking water supply remains stable for now, authorities are urging residents to conserve tap water. The current restrictions are a precautionary measure to protect aquatic ecosystems during this period of severe dryness.

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We weten natuurlijk nog niet hoe lang de droogte zal aanhouden. Enkele jaren geleden was het ook lange tijd heel droog hebben we dat oppompverbod wel moeten uitbreiden naar bevaarbare waterlopen. Dus je weet maar nooit.