Households located in an individually optimizable rural area, designated as red clusters on the zoning plan, will continue to pay a water pollution levy to the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM). They will receive their levy notice for the 2026 levy year from the VMM.
For households in central areas or collective rural areas, the VMM levy will be abolished. Instead, the water company will charge a supra-municipal sanitation fee. This new fee for purification will be in addition to the existing municipal fee for wastewater discharge from private water sources.
Households affected by these changes will receive a separate letter with further details.
The key information regarding the levy is that only households with a private water source (groundwater) in the individually optimizable rural area will receive a levy notice. The payment term is 2 months from the dispatch date indicated on the notice.
An exemption is possible for those who treat their own wastewater with an Individual Wastewater Treatment (IBA) system. The application for this, along with a certificate or refusal decision, must be submitted to the competent water company within three months.
For questions or complaints regarding the 2026 levy notice, individuals can call 053 72 62 72 (every weekday from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:00, select option zero) or email reactieskv@vmm.be. Questions about the supra-municipal fee should be directed to the water company.
An explanatory brochure is available for those who believe they are eligible for an exemption or a social tariff, outlining all conditions and the application procedure.
