What do we see?
The graph shows the number of people affected by water stress and water scarcity, measured up to 2020 and forecast in 2030 in Belgium. The total number of people affected increases over time. The forecast also indicates an intensification of water shortage: in particular, the number of people facing water shortage will increase sharply. An absolute water scarcity (less than 500 m³ per person) does not feature in the forecast.
What’s the aim?
The increasing amount of built-up area and the associated degree of paving disrupt the natural water cycle and is one of the causes for the observed and predicted increase in water scarcity. These phenomena are mainly occurring in Flanders. A smaller area of paved land could contribute to less water scarcity, as could measures to promote the permeability of the built-up surface and the infiltration of rainwater.
