Sewerage policy
Municipal sewerage policy is set out in the Municipal Sewerage Plan (GRP 2023-2027). This sets out the choices the municipality makes about how to deal with waste, rain and groundwater. It also defines the level and form of the sewerage levy for the coming years.
The plan outlines what activities will be taken up in the coming years. The municipality spends nearly 4.5 million euros annually to keep the sewers working properly. A lot of money goes to the cost of cleaning, inspecting and repairing sewers. But we also make major investments in sewer replacement and dealing with rainwater flooding.
Spearheads
The GRP describes 9 focal points that we will focus on
- Sustainable water chain: The collection and transportation of wastewater must be as efficient as possible so that public health is not compromised.
- A climate-proof water system: We are going to design the system to better accommodate climate change. Everyone has a responsibility here. For new buildings, rainwater must first be collected in a storage area on private property before it can be discharged into the public sewer system. For reconstructions we strive to disconnect as much paved surface as possible. The obligation of the municipality to take action in case of nuisance or inconvenience caused by heavy rainfall has been more clearly defined and tightened.
- Groundwater balance: As a matter of principle, property owners are responsible for taking measures against the consequences of high or low groundwater levels. With all developments in areas, we must ensure that there are no such changes in the groundwater level that could cause nuisance or damage. We strive to bring as much rainwater into the soil as possible This can be done directly by leaving or making areas unpaved, or through infiltration facilities.
- Water as an organizing principle: In all spatial developments, water should be leading in the planning process. That means first looking at how water can be captured and treated, and then the rest of the development should fold around that.
- Healthy, clean and experienceable water: By collecting rainwater and wastewater separately, we prevent unnecessary pollution of the water treatment plant and prevent unnecessary damage to nature (sewer overflows).
- Working together on water: The municipality works together with other partners in the water chain. These are the municipalities, the water boards and Brabant Water. The collaborative platforms are a result of the 2011 Administrative Agreement on Water. Knowledge is exchanged with these platforms but also (government) subsidies are applied for.
The above description is not exhaustive. For a complete description of the focal points, please refer to the report.
Replacements
Replacement of sewer pipes is necessary to maintain the functioning of the sewer system. Over time, the strength of sewer pipes deteriorates, for example due to cracks or deterioration of the inner wall. The GRP indicates in which streets the sewers will be renovated. We try to combine sewer replacements with road reconstructions as much as possible. This is always customized on a case-by-case basis. We realize that this sometimes leads to a longer preparation time, as a result of which the realization will deviate from the planning. In principle, a separate sewer system is installed during renovations. Over the next 5 years, almost 9 kilometers of sewer pipe will be replaced, requiring an investment of €10 million.
In addition, pumping stations and electrical installations are also being replaced on an ongoing basis, involving €9 million over 5 years.
Addressing flooding and climate adaptation
In the coming years, as the municipality develops the new climate policy, we want to take more and more climate-adaptive measures. On the one hand, we will respond to climate change by making space for water and more actively disconnecting rainwater, and on the other hand, we will also green the environment so that this contributes to preventing heat stress. The public space is thus becoming more resistant to extreme situations. Insofar as these measures are related to municipal water and sewerage tasks, they can be financed from the vGRP. A total of €2 million will be allocated for these measures through 2027.
Over the next 5 years, just over €7 million will be invested in the fight against stormwater flooding. This concerns both the implementation of the already known measures and also the realization of the Blue Vein Plan (see link at the bottom of the page). Almost €1.5 million has been invested for this purpose since 2020. These investments are necessary because our sewer system (but also the public space) is not designed for the heavy rainfall we have received in recent years and are expected to receive even more. In the coming planning period, various catch basins and additional rainwater sewers will be constructed. Various bottlenecks in the sewer system will also be addressed.
Responding to climate change cannot be done by the municipality alone. We will actively seek out citizens and businesses and together we will try to find solutions to the challenges we face together. For both new buildings and reconstructions, we aim to design the public space in a "climate-adaptive" way. From now on, the basic principle for all building plans is that every m2 of paved surface must be compensated with a rainwater storage facility. (60 liters per m2).
Daily maintenance
All objects of the sewer system are maintained to ensure that they continue to function properly. This includes not only repairing damage and clearing blockages, but also carrying out measurements and surveys, as well as keeping records. Annually, €3.2 million is spent on this.
Sewer charge
All costs we incur for sewerage services are covered by the sewerage levy. The amount of the levy depends on drinking water consumption. In the next 5 years the levy will not increase (except for inflation).
Report sewer blockage
If your sewer is clogged, or in case of pressure sewer failures, please call the municipality on telephone number 040 289 38 93. You can also report your complaint or malfunction using the Notification of Public Space form.
Learn more
Do you have a question or want more information about the sewerage policy? Then please contact Rob Elemans by calling 040 289 38 93.