Belgian town bans pool filling, lawn watering amid severe drought

Prolonged drought is putting increasing pressure on water reserves in Belgium’s Wallonia region, prompting the municipality of Chimay to impose restrictions on non-essential water use.

Groundwater levels in Chimay have fallen to unusually low levels for this time of year, with water in some wells reportedly several meters below winter levels. Local authorities are concerned that the situation will not improve quickly, RTL reports.

“With the drought we have experienced since the beginning of summer, our groundwater reserves are at an exceptionally low level,” Chimay Mayor Tanguy Dardenne said.

“Given that it has not rained for several weeks, we do not expect them to recover quickly. This is forcing us, responsibly, to take some measures,” he added.

Under the new restrictions, residents are prohibited from watering lawns and filling water tanks and swimming pools. Authorities are urging residents to limit consumption and avoid activities considered non-essential.

“All of these are uses that are not essential in our daily lives,” Dardenne said.

The restrictions will remain in place in Chimay through August 31. Anyone violating the measures could face a €350 fine.

By Vafa Guliyeva