Belgium water insecurity affects 12% of households

A study commissioned by the King Baudouin Foundation reveals that approximately 12.4% to 12.8% of Belgian households struggle to access sufficient quantities of high-quality drinking water or spend an excessive portion of their disposable income on water bills.

The Brussels-Capital Region is the most severely affected area, with 23.2% of households facing water insecurity in 2024. This high rate is attributed to lower average incomes and high urban density, which limits access to alternative sources like wells or rainwater harvesting systems. In contrast, Flanders reports the lowest rate at 8.5%, while Wallonia shows a rate of 15.6%, an improvement from previous years.

The report highlights that water insecurity is a significant indicator of social inequality. Vulnerable groups, including those at risk of poverty, low employment rates, single-parent families, and individuals in poor health, are disproportionately affected. Additionally, housing type plays a role, as apartment dwellers are more frequently impacted than those living in houses with access to alternative water reservoirs.