With the Strategic Water Supply Plan, Flanders is taking an important new step towards keeping the drinking water supply safe, affordable, and accessible in the long term. The plan uses a risk-based approach to develop a strategic vision and associated measures.

To continue ensuring security of supply, water companies are investing in new infrastructure to eliminate vulnerabilities. They are also managing the existing pipeline network in a risk-based manner and are working in an innovative way to detect and repair problems, such as leaks, more quickly. Training also plays an important role in this risk-based approach.

Making good choices during the design and installation of the internal plumbing system reduces potential risks to water quality, such as lead, faulty connections between tap water and rainwater, or Legionella. The final step of a safe installation remains the mandatory inspection.

The revision of the European Urban Wastewater Directive and its translation into national legislation must further improve water quality in Europe. This legislation also has a significant impact on sewer operators. They, too, base their investments on thorough risk assessments – and management.