Due to the extreme drought, there is a ban on irrigation in Brabant. Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., no water may be extracted from ditches, streams and rivers in the entire working area of the Brabant Delta. The measure of the water Authority has an impact on farmers who need the water for their crops.
The water board speaks of an ‘exceptional measure’ that is necessary to prevent the water level from dropping further. “There is simply not enough water due to the increasingly frequent dry periods,” says Louis van der Kallen, board member of the water board. “By now being cautious with water, the water board wants to try to prevent a total ban.”
Due to the ongoing drought, there is not enough water to supply the entire area of the water board. This increases the risk of blue-green algae, among other things. To prevent this, ditches and streams have to be flushed. This is only possible if there is sufficient water available.
The irrigation ban may have a major impact on farmers. Due to the lack of rain, they now have to water their crops more often, which is no longer allowed with the current ban. The water board makes an exception for the cooling of fruit orchards and the use of surface water as drinking water for livestock.
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