Belgium records highest tap water use in five years

Tap water consumption in Belgium's Flanders region reached its highest level in five years on June 26 as a heatwave drove demand sharply higher.

Data from the water supply status indicator showed that 1,351,622 cubic metres of tap water were consumed on the day, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Brussels Times.

Water usage had already risen above normal on June 25-26, reaching around 115% of the average daily consumption recorded for June over the previous five years.

Friday's total also surpassed the previous highest daily figure for the period, which stood at 1,337,515 cubic metres and was recorded on June 11, 2023.

Despite the surge in demand, the Flemish Environment Agency said the drinking water supply remains stable. The agency noted that the status indicator continues to show green, meaning water supplies are operating normally and no restrictions are currently required.

"The high temperatures clearly impact water consumption. But high water use does not automatically mean that the drinking water supply is under pressure," said spokesperson Katrien Smet.

She made it clear that water companies still have sufficient capacity to meet the demand today and there is no reason for concern.

"The message remains the same throughout the year: use tap water wisely. Every litre we avoid using unnecessarily helps keep our water reserves resilient, even during dry and hot summers," she added.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov