Annual reports

Download our recent annual report

First sustainability report

In the future, Aquafin will need to comply with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). We are preparing for this with an initial trial report, integrated into the annual report for 2024. The goal is to further develop in this area over the coming years, taking into account the announced changes to the CSRD.

Check out our integrated annual report

Rationally dealing with increasing complexity

In the 2024 election year, Aquafin successfully convinced the new Flemish Government to further increase the pace of investment in wastewater treatment infrastructure and to better align municipal and supra-municipal investments. At the same time, 2024 confirmed a trend we've been observing for several years: the context in which we operate is becoming increasingly complex. Consider, for example, the revision of the European Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD), which imposes numerous new or stricter measures. We are also noticing that obtaining permits has become significantly more challenging than in the past, and new stakeholders continue to emerge.

In the face of this growing complexity, Aquafin seeks simplification and standardization. Simplification by countering fragmentation in the sector and leveraging synergies. Standardization by bringing together various actors in the sector, for instance, around digitalization. Last year, we organized the first Blue Summit to reflect together on data exchange between the different water companies and to strengthen the sector as a whole.

Excellent treatment results despite the wettest year ever

In 2024, 320 out of 329 evaluated WWTPs (Wastewater Treatment Plants) met all standards. Of the remaining 9 WWTPs, 8 met all the concentration standards and 4 out of 5 removal efficiency targets. Only 1 WWTP failed to meet 1 of the 5 concentration standards due to sludge washout, but it did comply with all removal efficiency standards.

The year was marked by extremely high rainfall throughout. A quarter more wastewater flowed into our WWTPs than in a typical year. Despite this enormous flow and the double standards in Flanders, we achieved an excellent result with 97.26% of the WWTPs meeting the standards.