Pathfinding study #4

Flemish Region, Belgium

Location

Flanders, Belgium

BACKGROUND

Flanders is one of Europe’s most densely populated and water-stressed regions. While rainwater harvesting is mandatory for new buildings, it has created financial and operational challenges for traditional utilities.

KEY FACTS

  • 40,000 customers are not connected to the central system.
  • Rainwater harvesting (RWH) causes revenue losses for utilities and can worsen peak demand during dry periods when rainwater runs out.

EXPECTED IMPACTS

  • Development of novel “hybrid” business models and tariff structures.
  • Assessment of the regional impact of RWH on centralised infrastructure.
  • Formulation of policy recommendations for a financially viable central-decentralised mix.

PARTNERS INVOLVED

  OWNER  
De Watergroep
  RESEARCH LEAD   
KWR