Belgian and Dutch regions impose temporary water bans as drought worsens

Belgian provinces are tightening water‑use rules as the summer drought deepens. In West‑Flanders and East Flanders a temporary ban on extracting water from unbevegable streams and public canals takes effect on 14 July 2026, covering 85 zones in East Flanders and several zones in West Flanders. The ban excludes livestock‑drinking water, emergency services and certain agricultural uses such as spray‑machine filling.

In the Netherlands, the Waterschap Brabantse Delta in Midden‑ and West‑Brabant introduced a daytime restriction (09:00‑21:00) that bars residents and businesses from pumping water from ditches, streams and rivers for irrigation, sport fields or garden watering. Similar extraction bans have been announced by other Dutch water boards, including Waterschap Rijn en IJssel and Vallei en Veluwe, in response to record‑low river flows (Rijn around 800 m³/s, Maas about 30 m³/s), high water temperatures and a rainfall deficit of nearly 200 mm.

The measures aim to protect agriculture, nature, navigation and water quality. Water boards are also increasing water‑retention actions, adjusting pumps and preparing possible extensions such as broader spray bans if the dry spell continues.