Belgium drought threatens drinking water production

Belgium is experiencing a severe drought, with precipitation deficits affecting 80 percent of the country. Meteorologists note that the current conditions are comparable to the drought of 2018, and significant rainfall may not arrive until mid-October or even November.

This shortage is impacting drinking water production, particularly for Vivaqua, which serves Brussels and several Walloon and Flemish municipalities. The water level of the Meuse river has dropped significantly, forcing the Profondeville extraction center to limit production. Since mid-July, production has been restricted to 130,000 cubic meters per day, and officials warn it may soon be further reduced to 90,000 cubic meters per day, potentially forcing the use of reserves.