Wallonia drought triggers water restrictions in 15 communes

Persistent drought and heatwave conditions in Wallonia have led to increased water scarcity, prompting authorities to maintain a high level of vigilance. Vivaqua has activated water reserves from two quarries in Écaussinnes and Ligny to manage the pressure on availability caused by rising consumption and decreasing river flows.

The flow of the Meuse at Tailfer is approaching a critical threshold of 19 m³/s, which limits local drinking water production. Consequently, 15 communes, including Libramont, Chimay, Bouillon, and Rochefort, have implemented water usage restrictions. Other areas supplied by the Nisramont dam remain under surveillance by the Walloon water company.

Forecasts indicate no significant improvement in precipitation for at least the next ten days, with temperatures expected to reach up to 35 degrees Celsius. In addition to water restrictions, navigation limits and fishing bans in certain fast-flowing and mixed water zones remain in effect. Authorities are urging citizens to practice responsible water consumption as the situation remains critical.