Brussels authorities have decided to keep the yellow drought alert in place across Brussels/Capital Region despite cooler temperatures and recent rainfall.
The decision was taken on Monday by water operators and public bodies, including Vivaqua, the Port of Brussels, Brussels Environment and the regional prevention and crisis management agency, Safe.Brussels.
Brussels Environment said the situation has not yet returned to normal, neither in the soil, which remains extremely dry, nor in water resources.
It said vigilance was still needed, especially as the end of the summer holidays and the start of the school year usually bring higher water consumption.
The yellow alert means the measures introduced a month ago remain in force and that residents are still urged to use mains water carefully.
According to the regional drought taskforce, flows in the main non-navigable waterways are not at critical levels for the season. However, Brussels Environment said it was continuing to monitor the situation closely, particularly the risk of cyanobacterial outbreaks.
Groundwater levels are still falling, but remain at a good level thanks to winter rainfall.
By contrast, field observations show that the current risk of fires starting in forests and green spaces is very high. Monitoring on the ground therefore remains stepped up.
Brussels Environment also reminded the public that lighting fires in forests and regional green spaces is prohibited, as is throwing cigarette ends on the ground.
On the canal, the Port of Brussels is applying several measures, including grouped lock operations, to preserve water levels and maintain navigation.
The regional drought taskforce will meet again next Monday to review the situation.
