Flemish environmental organisations are calling on the regional government to take urgent measures to protect drinking water, warning that pollution is driving up costs for society.

On Friday morning, the Water Coalition — an alliance of more than 14 environmental and nature groups — presented a 40-point action plan aimed at securing the future of drinking water in Flanders.

In a symbolic gesture, the coalition handed over what it called a “monstrous invoice” to Flemish environment minister Jo Brouns (CD&V) and welfare minister Caroline Gennez (Vooruit). The mock bill, amounting to one billion euros, was intended to illustrate the potential social costs of contaminated drinking water.

According to the coalition, pollution leads to rising expenses for additional purification and infrastructure needed to remove harmful substances such as PFAS, nitrates and pesticides. “These are costs that ultimately risk being passed on to society as a whole,” the group said in a press release.

Environmental organisations including Bond Beter Leefmilieu argue that the solution lies in preventing pollution rather than treating its consequences. “The Flemish government cannot afford to remain passive in the face of such a clear crisis,” said Benjamin Clarysse of Bond Beter Leefmilieu. “We are putting forward very concrete measures — and above all, we must finally tackle pollution at the source.”

That message was echoed by Robin Verachtert of Natuurpunt, who warned that waterways are already under severe pressure. “Even with expensive and advanced technologies, we can no longer completely remove this chemical cocktail,” he said. “By addressing pollution at its source, we not only protect our rivers but also guarantee healthy drinking water.”

Join For Water also stressed the urgency of the problem, while pointing to achievable short-term measures. Spokesperson Toon Malevé highlighted options such as a digital register for pesticide use, collective rainwater harvesting, stricter controls on groundwater extraction and stronger incentives for organic farming.

The action took place during a press moment in Brussels, where the Water Coalition presented its water memorandum and symbolic invoice to ministers Brouns and Gennez. With the initiative, the organisations sought to highlight the growing costs of polluted drinking water and to raise the question of who should bear them — citizens or polluters.

Minister Brouns responded that the Flemish government is already taking steps. After meeting with the activists, Brouns and minister Hilde Crevits accepted the symbolic bill. “We don’t compromise on health,” Brouns said in an interview with Belga. “It is extremely important to us that our drinking water is safe.” He added that he plans to submit a drinking water plan to the Flemish government in January, describing it as the first of its kind in Flanders. Photo by PublicDomainPictures, Wikimedia commons.