2023-07-13 16:26:00
Are we going to see the emergence of mega-basins in Belgium, like those that are creating controversy in France, namely artificial water reservoirs that we would fill when the water tables are full and then reuse this water? in times of drought? Without citing this example in particular, MP André Antoine (Les Committed) expressed concern in a written question to the Minister of the Environment, Céline Tellier (Écolo), about the situation: what is the Region doing to respond to the potential water restrictions? “Each year, heat waves arrive earlier and earlier, are longer and longer, but also and above all, more intensenotes the Brabançon. And the scenario does not seem about to improve according to the specialists.” Episodes of drought will inevitably increase, resulting in pressure on water reserves.
And precisely, “if the situation were to get ”harder”, what would be the measures taken by the Government?“questions the former president of the Walloon parliament who also inquires about the progress of the”draft decree relating to the management of periods of drought ” or the creation of “new water retention and storage capacities throughout the region“.
“Doubt is no longer allowed”
In her written response to her yesterday, the Minister of the Environment was not very optimistic about the finding: “The drought situation we have experienced this year will ”get tougher”, to use the words of the honorable member, most likely in the future. Doubt no longer allowed” So we have to act.
On this point, the news is more encouraging. “The draft decree relating to the management of episodes of water shortage has been finalized by my administration and it will be submitted to the Government in the coming weeks.“, indicated Céline Tellier.
Anxious not to let the deputy Les Engagés hang around, the minister unveiled some elements of “structure“of the project which”will essentially revolve around three axes “.
” The firstexplains Céline Tellier, will aim to define the general framework of priorities in terms of water needs to be met in the event of a water shortage or imminent shortage. The second will deal with the question of the competent authority empowered to impose measures restricting the use of water.
The third and last axis will establish the general framework of a mechanism on the basis of which decisions on the application of restrictive measures can be taken..”
The water highway to supply the Ardennes
The ecologist also wanted, in his response, to recall the concrete measures already put in place, in particular “a series of connections to our strategic resources“, the famous water highway that we presented to you in detail on May 30. The latter should make it possible to transport water from the dams in the East to areas where the situation is structurally problematic, in particular in the Ardennes.
Céline Tellier also announces several studies.
The first will concern these dams to ensure, in the future, “more dynamic management of their water reserves“. The second concerns the Libramont-Chevigny quarry which could be used as a storage place for water from the Lhomme in winter and therefore as a back-up solution in the event of drought in summer. The study should be launched this year.
The last project in progress “aims to assess the Walloon potential of controlled aquifer recharge, to analyze the costs, benefits and associated risks, as well as to carry out a trial in Hesbaye “. But the results will not be available before the end of 2024.
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