Do you live in the Westhoek, around Ypres or in Harelbeke? Then you have probably come across the word: triazole. It is in the tap water of a large part of West Flanders. No need to panic, but it is good to know what is going on. Because once you know what is in your water, you choose what comes out.
What exactly is going on?
In four production centres of De Watergroep, the triazole level is above the European standard of 0.1 microgram per litre: De Blankaart (Diksmuide), Zillebeke and Dikkebus (Ypres) and De Gavers (Harelbeke). The Flemish government has therefore granted a temporary exemption: until the end of 2029, the water there may contain up to 1 microgram per litre. That is ten times the European standard. After that, the tap water must meet the European rule again.
According to the Flemish health services, these levels pose no health risk. So you can simply drink the water. Still, many people prefer to decide for themselves what is in their glass. Residents have even joined forces in the non-profit Proper Drinkwater.
Where does triazole come from?
1,2,4-triazole is a breakdown product. It forms from, among other things, fungicides used in agriculture, and from some medicines. Research by VITO shows that the source differs per area: at De Blankaart most of it comes from discharges by companies and wastewater treatment plants, at Zillebeke and Dikkebus mainly from agriculture. At De Gavers the source is hard to determine, because the water there largely comes from France and Wallonia.
Why can't the water supplier simply remove it?
Triazole is a very small molecule that dissolves easily in water. That is why it slips through many common treatment steps. Really solving it takes time: less discharge at the source and new treatment technology. Hence the deadline of 2029.
What can you do yourself?
Don't want to wait until 2029? Then you can treat the water at home yourself. Two solutions are suitable for this:
- MembraSAL (reverse osmosis) – the most thorough. The membrane removes up to 98% of the 1,2,4-triazole from your water and also stops other pesticides, limescale, PFAS and salts. For the whole house, choose MembraSAL Large household (one cabinet) or MembraSAL Villa & All-in-One (double cabinet, with UV disinfection).
- SorCA (activated carbon) – a simple step. SorCA reduces 1,2,4-triazole by up to about 75%, as well as other pesticides, chlorine and off-tastes. Choose the SorCA for the whole house, or the SorCA cartridge under your kitchen tap if you mainly want it for drinking water and cooking.
Which one suits you?
That depends on what matters to you: just cleaner drinking water from the kitchen tap, or all the water in your home. Not sure? On the For home page you will find our water advice form. We will think along with you, without obligation.
Now you know what is in your water. You choose what comes out.