Failure of drinking water supply
A failure of the drinking water supply is a failure in the availability and distribution of drinking water via the national distribution network.
Risks and causes
Causes
Consequences
What can you do?
BEFORE
- Be economical with your water consumption:
* Take a shower instead of a bath.
* Collect rainwater.
* Use residual water for plants.
- Repair leaks quickly.
- Make sure you have a supply of drinking and non-drinking water. Bottled water bought in shops is the safest to store (less risk of bacterial contamination and longer shelf life). Store it in a cool place. The expiry date is often only one year. Check this carefully.
- Do not use drinking water if it is not strictly necessary: collect rainwater and use it to water your garden, for example.
DURING
- Make sure you have enough water for a few days, and a number of clean, empty bottles or a jerry can. Anticipate four litres per person per day.
- Make sure to have some drinking water or other drinks (e.g. soft drinks, fruit juices).
- Make sure to have additional non-drinking water for washing or cleaning.
AFTER
- Is your tap water brown or cloudy? Let the water run for a few minutes.
- Is there a low water flow from the tap? The pressure still needs to be restored. The water flow will gradually increase.
- Keep a close eye on your water consumption. Do not waste water.
Impact and probability
The figures relating to probability and impact describe a extreme failure in the drinking water supply. The BNRA theoretically describes such a scenario as follows:
- Due to a failure, access to drinking water is interrupted for more than three days. This failure may be caused by reduced water quantity or impaired quality, such as contamination by toxic substances.
- Water can only be used for basic needs, and strict emergency measures are in force.
- A large number of people are affected.
How should you interpret these results?
Within the BNRA, experts assessed three scenarios for each risk: considerable, major or extreme. On each page, you will find the results of the scenario with the highest score based on the combination of likelihood and impact. This does not mean that this scenario will occur or is the most likely. Read more here about how to correctly interpret the results.
Probability
Very weak
Human impact
Very weak
Societal impact
Very weak
Environmental impact
No impact
Financial impact
No impact
What do the authorities do?
The regional authorities keep a close eye on the water supply. They are in contact with water companies and draw up strategic plans to ensure the supply of water.
In the event of a shortage of drinking water, a mayor, governor or minister can take various measures, such as:
- Distributing bottled water, if the water supply is interrupted.
- Imposing measures to limit (drinking) water consumption in periods of prolonged drought. They are advised by the Flemish Drought Commission, the Walloon Crisis Cell on Drought or the Drought Unit of the Brussels Region.
In the event of large-scale water shortages, agreements are made to distribute the available water.