Water withdrawal ban in West Flanders fully lifted

Following sufficient rainfall and increased water levels, the temporary ban on water withdrawal in four remaining river basins is lifted from October 29, 2026.

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The governor of West Flanders has fully lifted the temporary ban on withdrawing water from non-navigable watercourses and public ditches. From October 29, 2026, water may once again be withdrawn in the last four river basins.

Since October 23, the ban had only applied to the river basins of De Blankaart, De Martjesvaart, De Handzamevaart, and De Rivierbeek. Due to rainfall in the past week, with 50 to 70 millimeters in many places, water levels and the amount of flowing water have risen sufficiently to lift the ban. The salt content in the water has also decreased significantly, although blue-green algae have not completely disappeared.
For citizens wishing to withdraw water from a non-navigable watercourse or public ditch, this means the temporary ban is no longer applicable. However, the general rules for water withdrawal remain in effect. The governor's new decree takes effect on October 29, 2026.
Based on information from the official source: Gemeente Staden (29/10/2026)