Pelt (24brussels) – Starting today, Aug 11, 2025, boating is banned on the Dommel River in Pelt and the Kleine Nete River in Retie, Kasterlee, Herentals, Vorselaar, and Grobbendonk due to low water levels falling below 50 cm, reports 24brussels.
According to the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM), the ban is a response to dangerously low water levels reported on Aug 8, 2025. The situation has deteriorated to a point where the water depth has dropped below the required minimum, necessitating immediate action.
Officials highlighted that insufficient water levels can adversely impact the soil and disrupt local ecosystems. Similar restrictions have also been enacted for the Kleine Nete River across several municipalities, including Herentals and Grobbendonk. Authorities plan to closely monitor the water levels and will lift the ban as conditions improve.
What causes the boating ban on the Dommel and Kleine Nete rivers this summer?
The VMM anticipates that current water levels are unlikely to rise significantly in the near future. Spokesperson Katrien Smet stated that no precipitation is forecasted for the next two weeks, suggesting that the boating ban may persist throughout the summer vacation period. The restrictions aim to safeguard riverbeds and surrounding ecosystems from damage associated with low water levels and boat traffic.
This drought presents challenges to local water sports organizations. The Neerpeltse Watersport Club reported difficulties this season, managing to rent kayaks for just two weeks due to the unfavorable water conditions.
Boating bans due to low water levels are not unprecedented in Flanders. Similar measures were enforced during the drought of 2018 across multiple rivers. The VMM continues to uphold such restrictions to protect waterways and maintain their health during periods of low water supply.
