Belgian media, especially Flemish, have been urging citizens to reduce their water consumption this Summer.
According to a report by the Flemish environmental agency, Flemishs consume 114 liters per person per day (l/p/d), including industries, while Quebecers consume 573 liters according to 2017 statistics. In Belgium, citizens are outraged and try by all means to reduce their consumption, while here we do not talk often about it... how can one explain this difference?
Although Belgium is a country described as cloudy, there is only half as much rainfall as in Quebec. In addition, geopolitical considerations must be taken into account since much of the surface water is shared with France – hydrosolidarity, that can be learned! – and Belgians want to keep their groundwater reserves. In addition, water meters and appropriate pricing help Belgian citizens realize the extent of their consumption.
Read the article (translated to English) of the Standaard »
See Quebec's Drinking Water Saving Program website »
