The governor of the province of Flemish Brabant on Friday issued a police order prohibiting unnecessary use of water in fifteen municipalities. Any drinking water waste will be prohibited as of Monday 23 July. The persistent drought could be a [problem, warned the provincial administration. The police order covers the municipalities of Affligem, Asse, Bever, Dilbeek, Gammerages, Gooik, Hal, Hérinnes, Lennik, Liedekerke, Pepingen, Roosdaal, Sint-Genesuis-Rode, Leeuw-Saint-Pierre and Ternat, until the ban is lifted.

As of Monday, it will not be permitted to use the water provided by the public system to clean roofs, façades, tents, canopies, playing fields, courtyards, lawns and gardens, except in the case of agricultural and horticultural activities.

The ban also applies to the cleaning of streets, gutters, pavements, and gullies, as well as that of motor vehicles, trailers or tractor trailers. Moreover, it is forbidden to fill swimming pools, children’s pools (over 100 liters), ponds or fountains.

Citizens who do not comply with the new measure face fines going from 26 to 200 euros and/or an eight to fourteen-day jail sentence.

Maria Novak

The Brussels Times