Water: Activation of a vigilance phase

Weather forecast: precarious drinking water supply situation and ban on surface water abstraction

Precarious situation of drinking water supply

Due to the weather conditions of the last few days and the forecast for the coming days, the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development (MECDD) and the Water management agency (AGE) are appealing to the population to limit the consumption of drinking water as much as possible and to avoid wasting it. Even though many municipalities still have sufficient resources, a general call to save drinking water is nevertheless necessary in order to preserve the available resources as much as possible.

Groundwater recharge was insufficient during the past winter and flows from many sources in reactive aquifers are currently below the level of a year with normal recharge. The drop in the flow of these sources is all the more serious as the current heat wave is encouraging the population to consume more tap water. Experience shows a very close correlation between increased consumption and increased temperature. The weather forecast calls for temperatures above 30°C for the next two weeks and no rainfall. As a result, extreme consumption can be expected during this period.

In view of this precarious situation, the MECDD and AGE in consultation with the main drinking water suppliers, declare the "vigilance phase" of the national water use warning plan. Municipalities and their officials can thus implement measures and prohibit certain activities to restrict the consumption of drinking water via municipal regulations.

Good gestures:

  • Watering/irrigation: Lawns do not need to be watered. They can withstand periods of drought without any problems and will green up again with the next rainfall. It is best to irrigate your vegetable garden in the early morning or late evening when the soil is cool. In this way, too much evaporation is avoided, as well as thermal shock for the plants.
  • Car wash: Washing your car at home is a very water-intensive activity and is not recommended during periods of drought. However, professional car washes can be used without problems. These operate in a closed circuit and "recycle" the water.
  • Above ground pools: Many above ground/inflatable pools can hold up to several cubic metres of water. On particularly hot days, a large number of citizens fill their swimming pools at the same time, thus creating consumption peaks. In addition, for reasons of hygiene, this water must be changed regularly or treated with chemicals, such as chlorine. The use of public swimming pools is strongly recommended.
  • Home: A full bathtub uses an average of 150 to 200 litres of water, while a 5-minute shower uses about 80 litres of water. It is therefore advisable to take showers rather than baths. Shower consumption can be further reduced by turning off the water while soaping up. Adopting the habit of only running the washing machine and dishwasher at full load will have a positive impact on water consumption and electricity bills.
  • Municipal and professional sector: This appeal is also addressed to municipalities and companies, which can limit the use of drinking water to what is strictly necessary, in particular by optimising the watering of green spaces, avoiding the use of high-pressure cleaners, or by turning off public fountains.

On the website of the Water management agency, you will find several simple ways to reduce drinking water consumption to a minimum.

Ban on surface water abstraction

Sustained deficits in atmospheric precipitation in the first half of 2022 have influenced the hydrological regime of rivers. Thus, the MECDD and the AGE ask the population to stop all surface water abstraction, even if it is covered by a permit.

Duration of the "vigilance phase"

The " vigilance phase " will be lifted via a press release by the MECDD and the AGE. Thank you for taking this into account. Everyone's civic sense and common sense is required.

Press release by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development / Water management agency

 

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