DEEPER Blue
Contribution to circular water use and water security in Flanders
How can we make water use in Flanders more sustainable?
This was the key question that Waterunie, in collaboration with Aquafin, aimed to address with the groundbreaking 'DEEPER Blue' project. The solution? Treating effluent – or purified wastewater – from the Aalst wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) to drinking water quality. This water is then injected underground during periods of surplus, to be pumped up and reused during times of water scarcity. DEEPER Blue thus alleviates pressure on both groundwater and surface water, contributing to a more sustainable water supply.
Witteveen+Bos and DEEPER Blue
- support for obtaining the necessary environmental permits
- evaluating water management, regulatory frameworks, and discharge situations
- realizing this innovative water solution
- ensuring the project complies with all safety and environmental standards due to our expertise
An innovative solution to a societal challenge
DEEPER Blue addresses the growing challenges of water scarcity and drought in Flanders. By storing drinking water in the deep underground Sokkel aquifer during the wet seasons, the water can be recovered during dry periods. This circular system, also referred to as a winter-summer water battery, ensures water availability when it is needed most. Furthermore, the project aligns with Flanders' goals for circular water management and the Strategic Water Supply Plan.
Safety and ecological balance
Safety and environmental care are central to DEEPER Blue. The new reuse facility is equipped with membrane technology and follows a multi-barrier approach, with reverse osmosis (RO) as the final barrier against micropollutants. This guarantees a safe drinking water supply. Additionally, during dry periods, enough effluent remains available for other uses, such as agriculture and ecological needs.
A joint effort for water security
DEEPER Blue is an initiative of Waterunie, together with partners Farys, De Watergroep, and Aquafin. Supported by the research platform Capture and the expertise of Witteveen+Bos, the project contributes to the Flemish "Blue Deal," a government plan to tackle water scarcity and drought. Thanks to this collaboration, DEEPER Blue marks an important step towards a sustainable and circular water system in Flanders.
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