Anyone planning a thorough renovation will also have to take into account a new rainwater tank from next year. Now that the climate is changing, and we are dealing with both long dry periods and heavy rainfall, the Flemish government is increasing the volumes of the rainwater wells at the request of Minister of the Environment Zuhal Demir. Demir reports this today.
A well of 5,000 liters has been mandatory for some time, regardless of the size of the roof. Now buildings with a roof larger than 80 m² will have to put in a well of at least 7,500 liters. With a roof of more than 120 m², this becomes a 10,000 liter well. This obligation does not only apply to new-build homes, but also to those who thoroughly renovate or carry out work on waste and rainwater facilities.
This approval in principle of a new stormwater regulation is “an important step in the implementation of the Blue Deal”, says Demir.
If insufficient water can be infiltrated on your own property, the new regulations allow drainage to an adjacent green zone. This must have a minimum surface area of a quarter of the paved area on which the water is collected. This principle is already being used today in the water test for new homes, and has now been extended to renovations. Until now, this arrangement did not apply to surfaces up to 40 m², but this is being abandoned. “Every drop counts”, emphasizes Demir. “That means that you also have to collect and reuse every drop as much as possible.”
Governments must lead by example
“But all governments will also have to set a good example,” said the N-VA minister. “In the future, additional hardening of the public domain will only be possible if sufficient infiltration and buffer volume is provided. Cities and municipalities must distance themselves from the large gray, paved plains as we see them too often and must dare to opt for unpaved, green areas. and biodiverse places that will also help with heating.”
The new rules are now going through a consultation round and a public inquiry, after which the final approval within the government will follow.
on greenbluelevel.be builders or renovators can already calculate which conditions their plot best meets.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss a thing from the stars.