Interview H. Vervaeren en G.J. Pronk - Belgium water utility De Watergroep is putting plans into action - Exploring nonlinear water routes to circularity in Flanders

“Known for its castles and red ale, Flanders has been diligently working away on plans to become known as a European region in another area: the circular economy. Bordering the Netherlands, the Flemish region of Belgium is taking the circular economy seriously. In its ‘Vision 2050’ strategy, the government listed seven priority areas, including the Circular Economic, Smart Living and Industry 4.0. By closing cycles and reusing natural resources where possible, “smart material cycles” can flourish in Flanders and beyond, it said. Creating water resilience Belgium water utility De Watergroep is putting some of the plans into action. Founded in 1913, the organization provides water to 3.2 million customers.
Circular economy ambitions, coupled with creating resilience against the impacts of climate change, are accelerating the utility to “explore all nonlinear water routes”, says Han Vervaeren, programme manager, De Watergroep. “In the summer, the water levels drop but the concentrations of salt solids increase,” he said. “We need a really flexible system.””

(Citation: Interview H. Vervaeren en G.J. Pronk – Belgium water utility De Watergroep is putting plans into action – Exploring nonlinear water routes to circularity in Flanders – www.waterworld.com (2021)2 March)