Meldert spring water depleted, Molenbeek completely dry: 'Rare fish species are lost'

The Molenbeek stream in Meldert, Belgium, has completely dried up for over two kilometers, a phenomenon described as "very exceptional" by experts. Pieter Boets of the Provincial Center for Environment (PCM) stated he has not witnessed such an event in his 40 years of experience.

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We fear that all the animals are dead.

The stream, normally fed by a spring that never runs dry, connects the Kravaalbos forest to the Dender river. Its complete desiccation is a stark indicator of the region's environmental stress. The PCM has been working to strengthen or reintroduce endangered fish populations in the Molenbeek, including brook trout. The current drought has jeopardized these conservation efforts, with fears that all the introduced animals have perished.

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It is very exceptional that such a spring river dries up completely. I have not experienced this in the past 40 years.

While the ongoing heatwave is a clear contributing factor, Boets also suspects illegal water abstraction is exacerbating the problem. "We suspect that the groundwater level is very low due to illegal abstraction," he said, explaining that unauthorized water pumping leaves insufficient water to replenish the springs.

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We suspect that the groundwater level is very low due to illegal abstraction.

Boets emphasized the need for better monitoring and control of water usage, especially with the increasing frequency of prolonged warm periods. "The entire ecosystem around the stream is disrupted. It affects all plants and animals living around the watercourse," he warned. He also stressed the importance of improving water infiltration into the ground and waterways after rainfall, rather than allowing it to drain away quickly.

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The entire ecosystem around the stream is disrupted. It affects all plants and animals living around the watercourse.