Clean Water in the River Meuse (Schone Maaswaterketen)

The Meuse River can and must become cleaner! The partners in the SMWK-project aim to improve the water quality of the Meuse River and its catchment area. The project focuses on micro-pollutants which end up in the environment via wastewater flows. Water boards, drinking water utilities and the National Water Authorities combine their knowledge and expertise, thus forming the strength of this collaboration. 

The project started in 2015 with research into so-called regional hotspots of pollution. The main question to be answered was: if we want to adapt the treatment plants, with which treatment plants should we start?  Since 2019, the project team has been working on an action programme of measures and activities to achieve a cleaner Meuse River. The goal is to reduce pharmaceutical discharges through municipal wastewater by 10% before the end of 2027, despite the increase in pharmaceuticals use. At the same time, actions are taken to reduce the discharge of industrial substances by at least 30% before the end of 2040. 

More detailed information about this project can be found at the project's website (in Dutch).

Benten's expert Dr. Corina Carpentier provides expertise and support to the project team working on the reduction of pharmaceuticals and industrial contaminants in the River Meuse. Activities include desk research, preparation of meetings and discussions, supporting the project leader and reporting/presenting project results.