Quality checks have proven the excellent quality of the water supplied. We are also continuously investing in new technologies to ensure that we even more closely monitor the quality of our water - from source to tap.
De Watergroep’s central laboratory in Haasrode has been ISO17025-certified for a number of years. In 2019, the team also passed the test for the new, stricter ISO17025:2017 standard.
The ISO standards assess whether a laboratory has enough expertise to perform certain analyses, using strict selection criteria. On top of that, ISO certification proves that a laboratory operates on an independent and impartial basis. “The stricter ISO17025:2017 standard was published in 2017”, Head of Laboratory Julie Degryse explains. “The new version of the standard entailed several major changes for our quality assurance system, mainly in relation to risk management. Thanks to the efforts of all employees at the lab, we’ve made it through the transition period with flying colours. In May 2019, we received our new certificate to confirm we were ISO17025:2017-compliant.”
In May 2019, Beeodiversity installed two beehives at the Bovelingen water extraction site to help detect harmful substances in the water extraction area.
The ground water in the extraction area around Bovelingen is vulnerable to pollution, so De Watergroep decided to call in a team of bees to help spot harmful products in the vicinity of the site. Simon Six, Sources and Water Systems team manager, can tell us more: “The bees collect pollen and nectar from the area around their beehive. We analyse this pollen on a number of parameters, such as heavy metals and pesticides. Using the results from our measurements, we can enter into conversation with farmers and individual households in the area to limit the use of harmful substances and better protect the groundwater. The bees also improve biodiversity in the water extraction area — and as a bonus, we get to keep their honey, of course!” In a second phase, beehives will also be installed in Heverlee. The bees at that site will monitor the water extraction sites around the HAC water production centre.