Water extraction bans imposed in parts of the Netherlands and Belgium

From 28 July 2026 a water‑extraction ban will apply to most canals, streams and ditches in the Vechtstromen management area of the Netherlands, covering Twente and the Vechtdal. The restriction does not affect water needed for industrial processes, safety, or livestock drinking water, nor water drawn from a pasture pump. The measure is taken to conserve water amid prolonged drought and reduced inflow from the IJssel and Twentekanaal.

Effective 17 July 2026, Flemish Brabant in Belgium also introduced a temporary ban on pumping water from non‑navigable watercourses and public canals. The decision, made by Governor Jan Spooren on advice from the provincial drought council, aims to protect the ecological state of the waterways as water levels have fallen below critical thresholds. Extraction for livestock drinking water remains allowed, and water from navigable canals may still be used.

Both regions will enforce the bans through monitoring and penalties and will lift the restrictions once water levels recover.