The water test is an instrument used by the government, which decides on a permit, assesses a plan or program that has an impact on the water system. The result of the water test is included as a water section in the permit or in the approval of the plan or program.

What information do I have to provide if I want to sell my house?
The water test chart with flood prone areas shows where flooding is possible in Flanders. The map distinguishes between flood-prone areas (dark blue) and possibly flood-prone areas (light blue).
The map of the flood prone areas is regularly updated on the basis of more recent and more accurate modeling data or after serious flooding and on the basis of additional terrain data. Nevertheless, it remains a snapshot.

What is the difference between an effective and possibly flood-sensitive area?
Effective flood-prone areas:

• In the flood-prone area, flooding has been detected in the past or models show that flooding that occurs statistically once every hundred years or more often could cause flooding. The map of effectively flood-prone areas is composed of recently flooded areas and modeled flood plains.

Possible flood prone areas:

• In the possibly flood-prone area, the Flemish government has no knowledge of flooding in the recent past and no frequent floods are expected based on available models. Nevertheless, an increased vigilance is in order in these areas. In these areas, the consideration of the watercourse manager on the basis of his field knowledge is important to correctly assess the risk of flooding.
• The map of potentially flood-prone areas is composed of naturally floodable areas, potential flood areas and mine subsidence areas.

Where can you request the water test?
Various map layers are available on the geo-box of the water test that help you carry out the water test. We have access to this “geoloket” and are happy to help you with requesting your water test.