The consumption of drinking water in Flanders reached its lowest level in two decades in 2023, according to the Flemish Environment Agency’s (VMM) annual report published on Wednesday.
The report reveals a significant drop in the amount of water distributed across the region, highlighting changes in both household usage and industrial consumption.
In 2023, the total amount of drinking water delivered to the distribution network in Flanders amounted to 334.4 million cubic metres. This marks a considerable reduction compared to the 388.7 million cubic metres delivered 20 years ago.
The reported volume covers a variety of uses, including domestic consumption and non-domestic uses such as industrial processes, underscoring a trend of declining water usage across multiple sectors.
The VMM’s analysis indicates a significant decrease in household water consumption over the past decade. The average Flemish resident used 80.8 litres of drinking water per day in 2023, which is approximately 10 litres less than the daily average recorded ten years ago.
The data suggests that water-saving measures and increased awareness about resource management may be contributing to the downward trend in household water usage.
The report also provides insights into the sources of drinking water in the northern Belgian region. In 2023, groundwater, including aquifers, accounted for 47.4% of the drinking water supply, while surface water from rivers and lakes made up the remaining 52.6%.
Despite the continued reliance on surface water, the production of this resource has seen a significant decrease.
The VMM noted that the volume of surface water used dropped from 201.5 million cubic metres in 2021 to 184.4 million cubic metres in 2023, reflecting efforts to optimize water use and reduce environmental impact.
Improvements in the efficiency of water distribution have also played a crucial role in reducing overall consumption. The VMM report highlighted a reduction in water loss due to leaks in the distribution network.
In 2019, water companies in Flanders were losing an estimated 69.1 million cubic metres of water through leaks.
By 2023, this figure had fallen to 52.4 million cubic metres, indicating that investments in infrastructure upgrades and maintenance are yielding positive results.
The declining water consumption figures come amid growing concerns about climate change and its impact on water resources in the region.
Flanders has faced challenges in managing water supply during periods of drought, prompting calls for sustainable water use practices.
Authorities have been promoting water-saving technologies and encouraging residents to adopt habits that reduce water waste.
The VMM’s findings are seen as a positive development for Flanders’ environmental sustainability goals, with officials noting that reduced consumption and improved distribution efficiency contribute to a more resilient water system.
However, experts warn that continued efforts are needed to adapt to changing environmental conditions and ensure the long-term availability of water resources.
As Flanders continues to navigate water management challenges, the latest data serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable practices in securing the region’s future water supply.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
