Pelt (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Starting today, Aug 11, 2025, boating is banned on the Dommel River in Pelt and Kleine Nete River (Retie, Kasterlee, Herentals, Vorselaar, Grobbendonk) due to low water levels below 50 cm, says VMM spokesperson Katrien Smet.
As VRT News reported, starting today, Aug 11, 2025, boating is prohibited on the Dommel River in Pelt, in the province of Limburg, Belgium, due to low water levels. The Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) reported on Friday, Aug 8, 2025, that the water depth has fallen below the required minimum of 50 centimetres.
Officials mentioned that when water levels drop too low, boat traffic can harm the soil and disturb the natural habitat. Similar restrictions have been applied to the Kleine Nete River in Retie, Kasterlee, Herentals, Vorselaar, and Grobbendonk. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation and lift the ban once water levels improve.
What causes the boating ban on the Dommel and Kleine Nete rivers this summer?
The Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) has announced that water levels are unlikely to improve soon. Spokesperson Katrien Smet confirmed that no rainfall is expected over the next 2 weeks, and boating restrictions will probably remain in place throughout the summer vacation. Authorities say the sailing bans are necessary to protect riverbeds and surrounding ecosystems from damage caused by low water levels and boat traffic.
The current drought is affecting regional water sports organisations. The Neerpeltse Watersport Club has experienced hard times this season as it has only managed to rent out kayaks for two weeks this year due to diminished water levels.
Boating restrictions due to low water levels are not new in Flanders. In 2018, similar bans were put in place on several rivers during a period of drought. Authorities enforced these measures to protect riverbeds and aquatic vegetation from damage. The Flemish Environment Agency continues to apply such rules to safeguard waterways and ensure their long-term health during times of low water.
