Collecting, reusing, and infiltrating rainwater will become the norm in Flanders starting from October 2nd; what else can you do with it?

September 4, 2023

Regenwater Opvangen, Hergebruiken en Infiltreren: De Nieuwe Norm in Vlaanderen

From October 2, 2023, collecting, reusing, and infiltrating rainwater will become the new norm in Flanders. This groundbreaking change, introduced as part of the Blue Deal initiative, aims to promote more conscious and eco-friendly use of rainwater for various household purposes. Let's delve deeper into this significant shift and explore how it will benefit us all.
 
Background: A Sustainable Future for Water
The new rainwater regulation marks a crucial step toward a more sustainable future for water management in Flanders. This initiative is the result of the realization that every drop counts, and we need to adopt a more conscientious approach to rainwater. However, it took ten years for this new regulation to be implemented.
 
Before this change, only new construction projects, demolitions, reconstructions, or extensions larger than 40 square meters had to comply with the regulation. But now, it's mandatory regardless of the surface area, and what's more, even renovations fall under the new regulation.
 
What Does This Mean for Flanders?
The new rainwater regulation brings about several significant changes. Previously, the size of the rainwater tank was determined by the type of building (single-family, multi-family, or other). Now, the tank's size is determined by the roof area of the dwelling. The larger the roof, the more rainwater you can collect. This is a significant step forward in maximizing sustainable water usage.
 
For roofs smaller than 80 m², you'll need a tank of at least 5,000 liters. Roofs between 80 and 120 m² require a tank of 7,500 liters, while roofs from 120 to 200 m² necessitate a minimum capacity of 10,000 liters. For roofs larger than 200 m², you must collect 100 liters per square meter of roof area.
 
How Can You Utilize Rainwater?
With these new regulations in place, it's worth considering the broader potential of collected rainwater. Beyond fulfilling the mandatory requirements, you can harness rainwater for a multitude of purposes, including drinking water.
 
To enable this, we've developed the Drop2Drink Unit. The Drop2Drink Unit is an innovative decentralized filtration system that produces high-quality drinking water from renewable rainwater. The system is WHO-certified, ensuring 100% microbiologically safe water for your entire household. It has undergone extensive testing by the Watergroep and was chosen over four other systems at the test location. This means:
 
  1. No need to install a separate greywater system; you can use rainwater throughout your home.
  2. Freedom from the issues of hard water (common in tap water) because rainwater is naturally soft and devoid of calcium.
  3. The ability to make optimal use of your rainwater and even go completely off-grid.
  4. A consistent water quality without chemical additives (it's a physical filtration system).
  5. Rainwater gets filtered when you need it, ensuring water quality.
  6. The system includes monitoring, maintenance (ultrafilter), and safety features.
  7. All your water outlets are protected from bacteria and viruses, allowing your children to drink from the garden hose or shower under it without worry.
A Sustainable Future for Drinking Water
Discover the future of drinking water with Drop2Drink – purity, convenience, and sustainability in one. Whether you're building a new home, renovating an existing one, or simply looking to contribute to sustainable water management, the Drop2Drink Unit is the ideal choice. Feel free to contact us for more information. Together, we can contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for drinking water in your region.