Mayor Ledegem writes an open letter to Zuhal Demir: “Make the effluent water available again for horticulture and agriculture”

Aquafin decided on 4 June in consultation with the cabinet of Minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA) to no longer make the effluent water from the treatment plants available for agriculture, sports fields and public green spaces. The reason was the precautionary principle. Where in previous years this water was made available in dry conditions, current permits were withdrawn and no new permits were issued.

The reason for this caution is the risk of PFAS contamination of the water. Aquafin does not take any risks.

Drought

The severe drought means that more and more water is needed. The mayor of Ledegem, Bart Dochy, wants clean water to be made available again. In an open letter he addresses competent minister Zuhal Demir. “Where measurements show that the standards are exceeded, it is logical that no permission is given for the use of the effluent water. However, where there are no exceedances or even no PFAS is detected, there is no reason not to make the water available unless reasons other than the precautionary principle cited here would count.”

Dochy had the water quality checked at the water purification station in Ledegem/Moorsele. “The effluent water meets the discharge standards for discharge into surface water and in terms of PFAS, the lab clearly states that no concentrations were found and that the concern about PFAS is unfounded.”

After the investigation, the mayor will therefore appeal to the minister. Madam Minister, in view of the urgency of the drought problem and the need to have good quality water available for our agricultural crops, I urge you to make the effluent water available again for these places where there is no PFAS problem. of agriculture and horticulture.”