Working together to tackle water scarcity and drought? Deal!

Among all European regions, Flanders tops the list in terms of water scarcity and drought risks. Several factors play a part in this.

A large population inhabiting a small area and water-intensive sectors in agriculture and industry lead to high water consumption. If it rains today, the majority of the water runs into the sewer system and disappears into the sea. Excessive paving in urban areas is no help in replenishing water resources. Instead, it only serves to drain the rainwater away quickly, preventing it from soaking into the soil. Canals and drainage pipes also contribute to rapid water runoff. Climate change is also causing longer periods of drought alternating with heavy rainfall. We are unable to sufficiently capture and retain that rainwater adequately. These factors make us vulnerable to water scarcity and drought.

A shift in water management

First and foremost, the Blue Deal aims to encourage a mindset shift: we need a new approach to water management. Retaining water locally wherever possible. Use less water, reuse more water and tackle wasteful consumption. Often, the potential to preserve water is rather straightforward.

Wetter winters and drier summers are looming. We are aware of this. We are bearing witness to climate change, and it is irreversible. The Blue Deal is committed to taking action today that we will not regret in the future.

Initiatives today ...

• investments in the field for increased green-blue infrastructure along waterways, wetland restoration, reduced leakage losses at locks and in the water supply network, increased collection and reuse of rainwater, ... The Blue Deal provides also financial support for investments by companies, farmers, local governments, sector organisations, knowledge institutions, associations, ... through various project calls and subsidy channels.
• improved regulation and implementation by removing regulatory thresholds that hinder water reuse,  improving policy instruments such as local rainwater and drought plans, water audits or a more climate resilient water test, a stricter enforcement, and new regulations or frameworks, for example for water level management.
• innovation, research and monitoring, including innovation and research for water conservation, reduction of leakage losses, more circular water use and decentralised water supply; but also monitoring of water use e.g. flow measurement systems, notification desk for water losses from waterways, ...

• communication and awareness-raising to inform, sensitise and encourage action by individuals, schools, associations, companies, local authorities and other specific target groups.

... and the results?

Today we are working hard on the water management of tomorrow. Tangible and concrete results will only become visible in the near future. Think of the Blue Deal as running a marathon: a lot of time goes into preparation, the road is challenging, but the satisfaction at the finish line is great. Start, persevere and carry on - that is the message.

With the Blue Deal, we are helping to change the way we manage water. Various initiatives are starting in many places and we need to accelerate these. By taking concrete action now with various parties, we can prevent drought and water scarcity in the longer term.  The initiatives we take, however, can already make a difference locally in the short term.