The exceptionally dry weather during March and April has led to a rapid drop in water levels and flows in both navigable and non-navigable rivers in Flanders. The Coordination Committee for Integrated Water Policy says that low rainfall during the past couple of months has led to water levels in many waterways in our region falling to unusually low levels for this time of year.
This is especially the case in the western and northern parts of Flanders. Meanwhile, it’s a mixed picture when it comes to groundwater levels. These vary greatly, from very low to high, depending on the area.
The Flemish Drought Commission and Advisory Group has looked at the current situation and decided to maintain Code Yellow for the time being. Code Yellow is a warning level that requires increased vigilance when it comes to water consumption and the implementation of some water-saving measures.
While currently no bans on farmers taking abstracting water from rivers, lakes or streams are in force, farmers are advised to retain water where possible by raising small weirs and reducing drainage.
The conditions here in Flanders reflect a wider pattern across Europe.