Aalst (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Aalst’s dry fountains (e.g., Kanunnik Colinetplein, Vredeplein) will be refilled using water from the city park’s “balloon pond.” Alderman Wein De Koninck says they’ll work by July 1, 2025.
As VRT News reported, the city of Aalst says its dry fountains are not broken. The city council explained that the fountains are turned off on purpose. This is because of a plan to save water. Joke De Swaef asked about the fountains at a meeting. The city uses rainwater to fill the fountains. Each fountain has a big tank for water. Because it hasn’t rained much, the tanks are empty. That’s why the fountains are dry right now.
Why is Aalst pumping pond water to refill its dry fountains?
Aalst is addressing its dry fountains by using water from the “balloon pond” in the city park. This pond acts as a local water reserve. The city will now pump water from it to refill the fountains. This decision is part of Aalst’s plan for sustainable water management.
They mentioned that instead of using regular tap water, they’re using local water sources. This helps save money and protects the environment. The dry fountains are part of a bigger plan. The goal is to make the city’s water systems more climate-friendly and efficient.
Alderman for public domain Wein De Koninck (CD8V) says, “The dry spring has left the reservoirs underfilled, and they have gone into safety mode. This often makes the fountains appear to be broken, even when they are not.”
The fountains, including those at Kanunnik Colinetplein, Vredeplein, and Bauwensplein, have been dry due to a long period without rain. The city is using the balloon pond as a backup water source. Councillor De Koninck mentioned that the fountains should be working again by July 1st, 2025, if the water pumping goes well in the next few days.
The plan to use the balloon pond water has some rules. The province sometimes stops water use from ponds to protect the environment. Right now, the city can use the water. Councillor Joke De Swaef asked why the fountains were off for so long. The city is trying to balance helping the environment and keeping public spaces attractive when there isn’t enough rain.
