Namur, May 15, 2025 — Despite the unusually dry spring weather, Wallonia’s water supply remains secure for the time being, according to Walloon Environment Minister Yves Coppieters.
Speaking during a plenary session of the Walloon Parliament on Wednesday, Coppieters reassured lawmakers and the public that the region is not at immediate risk of water shortages.
“The information we have is completely reassuring,” the minister stated, highlighting that Wallonia’s reliance on groundwater reserves and managed reservoirs provides a stable buffer against short-term drought conditions.
In contrast, Flanders, the northern region of Belgium, has already begun implementing water extraction bans in several areas. Authorities there have also issued calls for residents to limit their use of drinking water, citing growing concerns about declining surface water levels.
Minister Coppieters attributed the regional discrepancy to differing water sources. “Wallonia depends primarily on groundwater and reservoirs, which are more resilient in times of drought. Flanders, however, relies significantly on surface water, which is more immediately affected by prolonged dry conditions,” he explained.
Despite the positive outlook for now, the minister emphasized that Wallonia is not ignoring the situation. A dedicated drought task force is actively monitoring conditions across the region, coordinating with local authorities and water management agencies.
The task force is scheduled to convene its next meeting on May 27. With no significant rainfall forecast before then, Minister Coppieters acknowledged that there could be recommendations for the public to adopt more cautious water usage practices.
“If the drought continues, some localised problems could arise in Wallonia,” he admitted. “However, there will never be sweeping measures imposed prematurely; they will be limited and local.”
Experts have noted that while Wallonia’s aquifers and reservoirs offer more consistent supply, they are not immune to long-term depletion if dry conditions persist into the summer. The minister’s comments come as meteorological data indicates a continued trend of below-average rainfall across much of Belgium.
Environmental groups have welcomed the government’s transparency but called for greater investment in climate adaptation infrastructure to deal with increasingly frequent dry periods.
“Wallonia has an advantage now, but this situation highlights the urgency of long-term planning,” said Claire Devreux, spokesperson for Eau & Climat, a regional water sustainability initiative. “We must continue to strengthen our water resilience while preparing for more extreme weather patterns.”
Residents are currently not under any restrictions but are encouraged to remain mindful of their consumption. The Walloon government has launched a public awareness campaign promoting efficient water use in households and agriculture, even in times of apparent abundance.
As the region awaits the outcome of the May 27 task force meeting, authorities remain cautious but confident. For now, Wallonia’s water systems appear well-positioned to handle the current dry spell — but officials are not ruling out targeted measures should conditions deteriorate further in the weeks to come.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
