Limburg Pools Continue to Struggle Despite Addition of New Lifeguards

Limburg (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Despite a record number of new lifeguards trained, Limburg swimming pools and lakes continue to face staffing shortages ahead of the busy summer season.

With summer quickly approaching, outdoor pools and swimming lakes are gradually reopening. However, even with a record number of retrained and graduating lifeguards, several communities still struggle to supply enough lifeguards. 

For instance, this applies to De Plas at Kelchterhoef in Houthalen-Helchteren. By the way, Flanders is celebrating Lifeguard Day today.

According to the Stiemerlab’s intermediate measurements, 2024 is a good year for the Stiemer since the water level is higher and the quality is better than it has been in the past. Aquafin’s overflow optimization is partially to blame for this.

The city of Genk has been looking into the water quality of the Stiemer since January 2023, working with VITO, VMM, Stichting Kitsunya, and Genk volunteers.

Sensors in the stream are used to continuously detect the temperature, conductivity, oxygen content, and depth of the water. From Thor Park to the Diepenbekerbos, they measure at a minimum of fifteen different points. In order to maintain optimal measurement, Genk inhabitants will clean the sensors every two weeks.

 Additionally, at four fixed measuring locations—three in Genk (Heppenzeel, Plattewijer, and Diepenbekerbos) and one in Diepenbeek—VMM conducts monthly physico-chemical sampling and biennial biological water quality tests.

According to the Stiemerlab’s intermediate measurements, 2024 was a successful year for the Stiemer. The water’s quality and quantity both score higher than they did in prior years. Since the measurements began, 2024 has been the wettest year.

“The results show good physico-chemical water quality at the Stiemer,”

Explains Alderman for Sustainability, Karel Kriekemans. 

“The best results are measured at the most upward measuring location. Compared to 2023, a clear improvement is visible there.” 

Concentrations of nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus increase at the downstream measuring locations.

In addition to the high precipitation, Aquafin’s overflow optimization also contributes to better water quality. 

“By making targeted adjustments to the sewerage system, we have significantly reduced the impact of overflows on the Stiemer,”

Says Ilka Van Geel, account manager at Aquafin. 

“At 25 locations spread across the entire Stiemer valley, we renovated old structures and took measures so that wastewater no longer ends up directly in the stream during heavy rainfall. Thanks to these interventions, the water quality now remains stable. 

The measurements clearly show fewer pollution peaks and smaller differences between the measuring points. In this way, we protect the Stiemer against pollution and make a difference for nature in the valley.”

Flemish Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Jo Brouns:

“A healthy watercourse is essential for people, nature and the climate. The positive results on the Stiemer show that intensive cooperation between the city, citizens and government really pays off. Thanks to the overflow optimization by Aquafin, we are