The largest citizen survey ever on water quality in Brussels and Flanders is kicking off today (Saturday 15 March). The focus is on measuring the presence of E. coli bacteria and calling on clean waterways.
Waterland vzw (a think tank and action group dedicated to healthy waterways) and De Standaard, in collaboration with KU Leuven, are launching the 'Water Monsters' (‘Water Samples') project to encourage citizens to test the water quality in their neighbourhood.
"We will work with 5,000 citizen researchers to map the water quality of our canals, streams, rivers and channels," the organisers said. They argued that water is essential to people's lives and for a healthy natural environment, but its quality is under pressure.
"Pollution from industry, agriculture and household wastewater means that many waterways do not meet European standards."
Detecting harmful substances
Concrete data on the water quality is lacking. The campaign therefore focuses on measuring the impact of household wastewater on water systems. A key aspect of the survey will be measuring the presence of E. coli bacteria.
"E. coli is normally found in our intestinal system. A high concentration in waterways means that, in addition to untreated sewage, we can also detect other harmful substances such as detergents and medicine residues," the organisers noted. "Thanks to a simple test, citizens can measure this E. coli in waterways and thus contribute to a better understanding of water quality."
Aside from gaining insight into the state of Belgian waterways, the project also aims to encourage people in Flanders and Brussels to reclaim the waterways in their neighbourhoods. "Open water belongs to all of us, or at least it should. To swim in, to sail or paddleboard on or to let your children play safely in."
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Waterland noted that the time is right for this debate, as the Flemish government has taken the first steps towards creating more open water bathing spots.
People who want to take part in the survey as citizen scientists can register here until 30 March. Participants must indicate whether they will be taking measurements. "The stream behind the school, the river where you dive with your polar bear club, the canal through your city where you go kayaking – from the Flemish countryside to the centre of Brussels: as long as the water is flowing, it has a chance of being included as a measuring point."
A total of 5,000 people will be selected from all the applicants. They will receive a measuring kit to take a sample between 25 April and 4 May. The results will be analysed by KU Leuven and collected and displayed in early June on an interactive map.
