Water board in Brabant restricts usage due to drought: 'Limits reached'

The Brabantse Delta water board is implementing strict water usage restrictions across Midden- and West-Brabant, citing severe drought conditions. Starting Tuesday, a ban will prohibit the use of water from ditches, streams, and rivers between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. This measure primarily targets irrigation of crops, gardens, and sports fields.

The decision comes as high temperatures, a lack of rainfall, and critically low water levels in the Maas and Rhine rivers make it increasingly difficult for the water board to maintain adequate supply. Simultaneously, water consumption typically surges during warm periods, exacerbating the strain on resources.

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this hours-long ban shows that the limits of water consumption have been reached.

"This hours-long ban shows that the limits of water consumption have been reached," stated Water Board Chairman Joris Bengevoord. While the ban is broad, several exceptions are in place. Surface water can still be used for cooling fruit orchards, providing drinking water for livestock, and for firefighting purposes. The restrictions do not apply to groundwater, meaning farmers can continue to access this source.

The duration of the ban remains uncertain, with a water board spokesperson unable to provide a timeline. In a video message, Bengevoord appealed to everyone in the Brabantse Delta region to "use water carefully, so that we also have water available in our area for the rest of the summer."

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use water carefully, so that we also have water available in our area for the rest of the summer.