Due to the persistent drought, the Brabant Delta Water Board takes new measures. Since Wednesday morning it has been forbidden in six extra areas in the west of our province to use surface water, for example from ditches and streams, to spray farmers or sports fields. In total, this prohibition now applies to ten areas of Brabantse Delta.
This spring is so far the driest ever in our country. As a result, the groundwater level has fallen considerably. The irrigation with groundwater was therefore previously prohibited. The fact that a prohibition is announced so early in the year in so many areas not to water with surface water, does not happen often.
The Rivierenland Water Board, responsible for part of the north of the province, does not yet take any additional measures. “We see the effects of drought increasing, but that is always a bit slower here because of the large rivers. We can draw long surface water from that.”
Yet it is going to be exciting indicates a spokesperson. “The situation in May already looks like the situation we normally have in July. Low -standing rivers and all fields yearn for water.”
Also at the Aa and Maas water boards and De Dommel, responsible for the east and south of the province, no additional measures are currently being taken. However, the previously established prohibition to use groundwater for irrigation of grassland remains in force.
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The drought gives Rian Govers, acting dyke of Brabantse Delta worries. “Because 2023 and 2024 were extremely wet, the water board built up some reserves. We started this dry period with a relatively high groundwater level. But that lead has already been run in again through the past dry months. That makes us extra challenges.” According to Govers, the situation is viewed per day and, if necessary, additional measures follow.
Drought
The current precipitation deficit is comparable to the year 1976, the driest year ever. Gardens, fields and nature reserves yearn for a little water. But the chance of rain is small for the next ten days.