{"id":53978,"date":"2026-08-10T07:00:54","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T05:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/?post_type=blog&p=53978"},"modified":"2026-08-08T00:49:29","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T22:49:29","slug":"industry-and-water-permit-certainty-starts-with-demonstrable-water-quality","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/en\/news\/industry-and-water-permit-certainty-starts-with-demonstrable-water-quality\/","title":{"rendered":"Industry and water: permit certainty starts with demonstrable water quality"},"content":{"rendered":"
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For industry, water is at once a raw material, a process medium, a cooling medium, a carrier and a receiving environment. Yet its availability, once taken for granted, is under pressure. Water quality in Flanders does not meet European objectives, while the deadline set by the Water Framework Directive is fast approaching. By December 2027, groundwater<\/a> and surface water must achieve good ecological and chemical status. For industrial companies, water quality is therefore becoming a strategic factor in permits, investments and business continuity.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In August, water takes centre stage at Sweco. We look at water as a system, because water does not stop at the plot boundary, the discharge pipe or the edge of an industrial estate. Every intervention has an impact on the wider water cycle: from precipitation, infiltration and groundwater<\/a> to process water, wastewater, surface water and reuse.<\/p>\n

For industrial players, this systems perspective is more important today than ever before.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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It is five to twelve for our water quality. We can no longer afford business as usual. If we want to convince Europe that Flanders is genuinely working hard to improve water quality, everyone needs to play their part: government, agriculture, industry, nature, local authorities and water managers. Otherwise, from 2027 onwards, we will face serious legal uncertainty and possibly even a freeze on permits.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Jo Brouns<\/strong>, Flemish Minister for the Environment in De Standaard, 8 June 2026<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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From environmental issue to permit risk<\/h2>\n

Recent warnings from Flemish Minister for the Environment Jo Brouns show just how urgent this issue has become.<\/p>\n

From 2027 onwards<\/strong>, Flanders must be able to demonstrate to Europe why the objectives have not been met and which targeted measures are being taken.
\nFrom 2028 onwards<\/strong>, Europe is expected to scrutinise water quality more closely, with tighter binding obligations.<\/p>\n

Any company that discharges water, expands, renews its permit or plans new activities<\/strong> will increasingly have to demonstrate that its activities:<\/p>\n

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  1. do not cause deterioration in the receiving watercourse;<\/li>\n
  2. do not jeopardise the achievement of good status.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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    Complying with permitted discharge limits is no longer enough<\/h2>\n

    The Water Framework Directive is based on the principle that no deterioration is permitted<\/strong> and applies the so-called \u201cone out, all out\u201d principle<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    if one parameter does not comply, the entire water body fails to achieve good status.<\/em><\/p>\n

    A discharge may therefore fall within the individual permitted limit and still be problematic for the receiving water system. The assessment is shifting from individual discharge limits to the overall impact on the watercourse.<\/p>\n

    Factors taken into account include:<\/strong><\/p>\n