Drought Worsens in Wallonia as Water Restrictions Expand
Wallonia is facing an intensifying drought as the region’s Drought Cell, convened under the Centre de Coordination des Risques et de la Transmission d’Expertise (CORTEX), reported a significant deterioration of hydrological conditions following its meeting on July 23. Seven municipalities have now enacted water restrictions, and the Nisramont dam is under reinforced vigilance with water levels approaching those seen during the severe drought of 2022, according to RTBF.
Context: A Dry Summer Takes Hold
Since July 14, Wallonia has received minimal rainfall. Between July 15 and 21, precipitation across most of the region measured between 0 and 2 liters per square meter, with the exception of localized thunderstorms in the extreme south of Luxembourg province, where up to 32 l/m² was recorded at Torgny. The Royal Meteorological Institute (IRM) reports a severely deficit water balance, with areas like Hainaut experiencing dry to very dry conditions, as documented on the official Wallonia government portal.
Groundwater levels continue to decline across the region, generally falling below seasonal norms. The flow rates of both navigable and non-navigable watercourses remain well below seasonal averages, with many reaching around the 10th percentile — and some falling below minimum values entirely.
Key Developments: Restrictions and Surveillance
Seven municipalities have issued by-laws limiting water usage: Bouillon, Léglise, Manhay, Rochefort, Saint-Hubert, Trois-Ponts, and Vresse-sur-Semois. An additional group of communities — including those supplied by the Nisramont dam (Bastogne, Fauvillers, Martelange, Wellin, Rendeux, Houffalize, La Roche, Sainte-Ode, Vaux-sur-Sûre, Marche-en-Famenne, and Tellin) as well as Rouvroy, Tournai, Pecq, Celles, Rumes, Antoing, Estaimpuis, Nassogne, and Tenneville — are under surveillance with recommendations to limit non-essential water use.
Existing restrictions remain in force across the region, as reported by La Libre. These include a temporary fishing ban in fast-flowing and mixed waters, closure of river sections to kayaks, navigation limitations on waterways, and the suspension of hydroelectric plant operations on non-navigable watercourses, excluding large dams.
The Nisramont dam has become a particular focus of concern. According to the Maison Wallonne de la Pêche, the reservoir is in severe low-water conditions, with levels currently similar to those observed in 2023 and approaching the critical thresholds of 2022. The situation is being closely monitored by site managers and the SWDE (Société Wallonne des Eaux).
The Libramont Agricultural Fair: A Test of Water Management
The timing of the drought has coincided with the Libramont Agricultural Fair (July 24-27), Europe’s largest open-air agricultural fair, which attracts approximately 50,000 visitors daily. Bernard Jacquemin, First Alderman in charge of water for Libramont, told RTBF that while the situation is not yet critical, vigilance is essential. “Some rain is forecast for Sunday and Spa, which is a partner of the fair, will distribute bottles, which will help avoid an explosion in consumption,” Jacquemin said. “However, we will need to remain very vigilant next week knowing that very little rain is forecast and temperatures will rise again.”
Analysis: A Recurring Pattern
The current drought is the latest in a series of dry summers that have affected Wallonia in recent years, including 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023. This recurring pattern is consistent with climate change projections for Western Europe, which anticipate more frequent and intense summer droughts. The IRM’s drought monitoring shows dry to very dry conditions across much of southern Belgium, with the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI-3) indicating a severely deficit water balance.
The broader European context adds to the concern. July 2026 has seen drought conditions across parts of Western Europe, with neighboring France experiencing wildfires in the Gironde region and imposing water restrictions in the Moselle department.
What’s Next
Light to moderate rain is forecast across Belgium on July 26, which could provide some temporary relief. However, the outlook from July 29 onward points to a return of dry weather and rising temperatures. The next Drought Cell assessment is scheduled for July 30, and it will be critical in determining whether further restrictions are needed.
As groundwater levels continue to decline and the autumn recharge period remains months away, Wallonia faces a delicate balance between immediate water management needs and longer-term resilience against what is becoming a familiar summer challenge.