A successful campaign: 9 roofs disconnected and 2 more to go!
Over the past year, we’ve been hard at work disconnecting roofs across Brussels, and we’re not done yet! With more than 90 subscriptions from citizens eager to install rainwater tanks and swales, we’ve already installed eight rainwater tanks and one rain garden (wadi). And two more rain gardens are planned in the coming months. The aim of the campaign was to inspire as many people as possible to disconnect their roof from the sewers to reduce the pollution of our waterways through sewage overflows. If you were inspired by us and disconnected your roof, do let us know!
The "Disconnect your roof" campaign
More than 90 Brussels residents joined our ‘Disconnect Your Roof campaign’, hoping to install a rainwater tank or swale in their garden or on their terrace. We’re thrilled to see such strong interest and commitment from citizens across the city! Although our budget allowed us to carry out only 11 installations, we hope these examples will inspire you to take action yourself because every disconnection counts!
The rainwater tanks
Rainwater tanks aren’t just for houses, they can also be installed on apartment terraces, small patios, or ground-floor courtyards. We selected a variety of projects across the city to highlight just how flexible and space-efficient these systems can be: from a compact terrace in the heart of Brussels, to a family home in Ukkel, or an apartment in Molenbeek. You don’t need much space to start reusing rainwater!
Molenbeek
Vorst
Sint-Joost
A groundfloor appartement with a garden
A house with a courtyard
A house with a garden
Schaarbeek
Jette
Ukkel
Under a shed
In the courtyard of an appartement
Next to the gardenshed
Sint Gillis
Brussels city center
in a groundfloor appartement
On a terrace of an appartement
The rainwater gardens
Rainwater tanks are a great way to reuse water, but when they’re full, any overflow still runs into the sewer system. That’s where rain gardens (also called swales or wadis) come in. These natural basins absorb and filter excess rainwater, keeping it out of the sewers and helping green your space.
So far, we’ve installed one beautiful rain garden with Fermes Nos Pilifs, and we’re now busy digging two more rain gardens in collaboration with La Ville de Bruxelles and the local community in Laeken.
Not Selected? You Can Still Take Action!
If your project wasn’t selected, don’t worry—you can install a rainwater tank or a swale yourself! We’ve gathered all the information you need on this webpage: HERE. Our instructional videos will also help guide you through the process.
There are various types of tanks available, and you may also be eligible for regional or municipal subsidies.
Everybody with a roof can contribute to clean and green waterways accessible for everyone.