{"id":43088,"date":"2025-09-29T15:31:18","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T13:31:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/?post_type=blog&p=43088"},"modified":"2025-11-24T14:38:57","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T13:38:57","slug":"circular-water-network-antwerp-managing-risks-and-seizing-opportunities-to-increase-biodiversity","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/en\/news\/circular-water-network-antwerp-managing-risks-and-seizing-opportunities-to-increase-biodiversity\/","title":{"rendered":"Circular Water Network Antwerp: Managing risks and seizing opportunities to increase biodiversity"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Sweco\u2019s latest Urban Insight report highlights the importance of biodiversity<\/a> and offers practical advice to help businesses tackle the issue. Managing risks and seizing opportunities are an important step towards sustainable biodiversity<\/a> management. Circular Water Network Antwerp illustrates how one city is putting it into practice and boosting its climate resilience<\/a> as a result.<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Water reuse keeps Antwerp green<\/h2>\n

The City of Antwerp is fully committed to circular water use<\/a>. By treating and reusing surface and drainage water that would otherwise be lost, the city reduces pressure on drinking water resources and keeps its natural environment healthy<\/strong>. This not only enhances biodiversity<\/a> in parks, ponds, and the Antwerp Zoo, but also helps restore groundwater<\/a> levels.<\/p>\n

Managing risks: A buffer against desiccation<\/h2>\n

Climate change is resulting in more frequent droughts and low groundwater<\/a> levels. For Antwerp, this means additional risks: brackish water from the River Scheldt can enter the groundwater<\/a> table, damaging urban nature and the foundations of buildings. The City is keeping these risks under control by cleverly deploying treated water through a circular network of pipes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Seizing opportunities: Making smart use of water<\/h2>\n

The circular water network creates new opportunities. An estimated 3,500\u00a0m\u00b3 of water can be recovered daily\u2009\u2013\u2009good for 25,000 swimming pools a year. The water is used to replenish the<\/strong> groundwater<\/a> table<\/strong>, irrigate<\/strong> urban greenery<\/strong>, refill fountains<\/strong>, and as grey water in public buildings<\/strong>. It enables the city to contribute to a living environment that is cooler, healthier, and more biodiverse.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Sweco as the guide in complex water management<\/h2>\n

The project is a joint initiative of the City of Antwerp, water-link, ZOO Antwerpen, AG Vespa, Flanders Environment Agency (VMM), and Aquafin, with support from Flanders and the European Union. Sweco supports Antwerp every step of the way: from feasibility study<\/a> and design to stakeholder management<\/a> and implementation. With expertise in hydraulic infrastructure, water management<\/a>, climate adaptation<\/a>, and treatment, Sweco ensures that the circular water network pays off in both technical and ecological terms<\/strong>. Smart construction techniques also minimise disruption to residents.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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How to identify risks and opportunities<\/h2>\n

Do you want to start working to improve biodiversity<\/a>? Follow these concrete steps to identify financial risks and opportunities:<\/p>\n