Water withdrawal ban eased in West Flanders from October 23

Governor eases ban on water withdrawal from watercourses due to restored water levels, but ban remains in four river basins.

Generic image of a Flemish polder landscape with a shallow watercourse under a cloudy sky.
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Generic image of a Flemish polder landscape with a shallow watercourse under a cloudy sky.

The governor of West Flanders has decided to ease the temporary ban on water withdrawal from non-navigable watercourses and public ditches starting October 23, 2026.

Due to rainfall in October, water levels in various parts of West Flanders have been restored, allowing the ban to be lifted in many areas. The ban was initially implemented to protect water supplies and aquatic life.
However, the ban will remain in effect in four river basins to monitor the situation and ensure recovery. These areas are De Blankaart, De Martjesvaart, De Handzamevaart, and De Rivierbeek.
In the remaining areas of West Flanders, the temporary withdrawal ban will be lifted. Individuals wishing to withdraw water are advised to first check if a ban is still in place at their specific location.
Current measures and a map are available on the municipality's website. Even where the temporary ban is not in effect, general rules for water withdrawal must be followed.
Based on information from the official source: Gemeente De Panne (26/10/2026)