Diverging Regimes within a Recently Federalised State

Abstract

Belgium is a wet country that paradoxically has few water resources at its disposal, considering the high population density. Furthermore, the country faces major regional disparities. Flanders is dependent on Wallonia for 60% of its drinking water needs. There are a series of recurrent problems with water management: regular floods in many places due to major rainfalls in wintertime and serious problems with the pollution of surface and groundwater. A combination of a high population density, a long industrial tradition and intensive agriculture are increasing the pressure on the resource. The significant demand for drinking water leads to total exploitation of the aquifers. Nevertheless, improvements are being made in the fight against pollution. New uses and concerns appear with the development of leisure activities. The population is more aware of environmental concerns and is developing a greater consideration for nature. In this context potential rivalries between heterogeneous groups of uses and users are to be expected. The selected stories of local water management in Belgium reflect these problems and evolution.