Sustainably managing water
Brussels Airport is fully committed to sustainable water management. With investments such as our own water treatment plant and retention basins, we're constantly working on improving water quality. This way, we are making a difference for people, fauna and nature.
6 sustainable water management initiatives
At Brussels Airport, waste water and rainwater each go their own way. Waste water from our buildings and de-icing activities is separated from rainwater. This prevents polluted water ending up in nature.
We purify our wastewater ourselves in a biological treatment plant. This plant can purify up to 2,400 m³ of waste water every day. From offices, terminals, aircraft and, in winter, from de-icing operations. Once treated, the clean water flows safely to our retention basins, before finding its way into local streams.
De-icing water doesn’t go to waste. Instead, we use it as food for bacteria in our treatment plant. During winter, all water containing de-icing agents is carefully collected, treated and further purified using aeration systems in our basins to improve water quality.
Brussels Airport has a clear emergency plan for incidents that could affect water quality. Our fire brigade takes immediate action to contain leaks, while our oil-water separators ensure that no oil reaches the retention basins.
Our retention basins, such as the Vogelzang basin, keep areas dry when needed. They capture excess rainwater and release it gradually to prevent flooding in lower-lying areas.
But they do more than that. They naturally purify the water, provide a habitat for plants and animals, and help replenish groundwater.
At the terminal, we already use collected rainwater to flush toilets, and the fire brigade uses it to fill fire trucks. Meanwhile, water from the Brucargo basin keeps the Brabantse Golf course green. In the future, we plan to expand our rainwater reuse even further.
