Zuunbeek

Until the middle of the last century, the winding Zuunbeek was known as a fish-rich stream. Kingfishers were a daily sight and the Otterweg even evokes the memory of the king's presence among the fish-eating predators. And it wasn't just fish swimming... on summer days, the youth took a refreshing dip in the Zuunbeek.

Due to a dramatic deterioration in water quality, nothing remained of it in the 1970s. Sewerage systems may have greatly increased our quality of living and public health, but untreated waste water was discharged into the Zuunbeek via the newly constructed sewers. Large swamp areas were also filled in in Zuun and Negenmanneke. Where there used to be water in winter, industrial areas or residential areas were built. But in heavy rain, the water has to go somewhere and especially in the lower Negenmanneke, streets were often blank. Due to the general increase in paved surface (roads, houses,...), flooding increased even further. Between 1972 and 1975, the Zuunbeek was therefore straightened, deepened and widened to allow more water to pass through. 2 waiting basins were also constructed to buffer water in the event of flooding. But to no avail. The Zuunbeek died and there were more floods than ever. Unfortunately, this is a typical story in urbanized Flanders. Fortunately, the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) as waterway manager and Aquafin, responsible for sewerage works, have started the restoration from 2016, partly thanks to the efforts of the Leeuwse Natuurvrienden.

Coördinatie Zenne-Coordination Senne