Climate change impact on salinization of drinking water inlets along the Campine Canals, Belgium

Campine Canals, in the north-eastern part of Flanders Region Belgium, between Meuse river and Port Antwerp. The region is densely populated with limited water resources vulnerable for shortages. impact climate change on salt intrusion Albert Canal, area’s major surface source drinking production, studied. Salt simulations are conducted by means a conceptual mass balance model canal network combined solute transport relevant reaches. A 110-year long time series observed discharge at upstream boundary applied to simulate reference conditions current adjusted account future scenarios. up inlets rare under conditions, but its occurrence will increase future, 1–2 % 2050, 3–10 2100, mid- high-impact scenarios, respectively. Chloride concentrations more often exceed working limits production. These findings illustrate need shift management from main focus inland navigation holistic approach taking trends quality problems into account.