Waterkringloop camping ’t Hof Bellewaerde

Less drinking water consumption thanks to innovative water treatment concept

Belgium faced periods of prolonged drought and accompanying water shortages in recent years. The use of alternative water sources is more important than ever. When the Bellewaerdehoeve was recently converted into a small campsite, ways were therefore sought to reduce water consumption and minimise the ecological footprint.

Rietland, which specialises in building reed beds for wastewater treatment, installed a Phytoparking on the site through this project. This is a space-saving water treatment concept that combines wastewater treatment with parking space. Thus, Rietland installed an aerated hybrid treatment field on the campsite under the bicycle parking in an open shed, which treats all wastewater, including toilet water (black water).

The Phytoparking consists of 2 treatment sections; one for grey (wastewater from kitchen, shower, washing machine) and one for black water. The treated water is pumped to 2 buffer tanks. The treated wastewater from the Phytoparking is reused for toilet flushing. In exceptional situations of high occupancy and hot weather, it is also possible to upgrade the grey waste water to drinking water thanks to an off-grid drinking water plant of De Watergroep.

Other high-value uses for the treated wastewater, such as irrigation water for agriculture or infiltration to maintain groundwater tables, are still being investigated.