World Water Day today! It is perhaps not entirely coincidental that the 8th World Water Forum takes place this week, in Brazil. Today, a series of success stories are presented that have contributed to the progress made in efficient water management in cities, basins and countries. One of the best practices discussed was project “Rational use of water in cities and municipalities” by Vlakwa/VITO.
How water-wise is your city?
At the start of 2017, Vlakwa and its partners launcheed an initiative that supports all municipalities in Flanders in reducing their water consumption.
The starting point: a thorough audit based on a checklist and a series of simple measures can save up to 30 % on the current water consumption. A good thing for the municipal budget and a step in the right direction with regard to sustainable water consumption in Flanders.
A successful pilot project that took place in 2016 with municipalities Harelbeke, Hooglede, Ledegem, Menen and Poperinge proves the usefulness of a water audit.
With very low-threshold measures, these municipalities could save up to 30 % of water on their consumption. For central cities, this means around € 105 000 to € 120 000 savings per year on their drinking water bill, in smaller cities and municipalities savings of € 6 000 to € 21 000.