Who they are
Aquafin was established by the Flemish Region in 1990 to expand, operate and pre-finance the wastewater treatment infrastructure in Flanders. The company collects wastewater from municipalities, treats it, and returns it safely to nature — greatly improving the quality of local watercourses. Today, Aquafin treats about 86% of domestic wastewater, compared to just 30% at its founding. Healthy aquatic plants, kingfishers, otters, and a growing variety of fish species are now returning to streams and rivers. Beyond treatment, Aquafin also applies its expertise in the water cycle to build a living environment in harmony with water — from sustainable rainwater use to preventing flooding and soil drying.
Who represents Aquafin in PREWAPHARM
Koen Rummens, R&D researcher at Aquafin since 2024, has long been fascinated by the role of bacteria in society, from gut microbiomes to waste treatment. At Aquafin, he works on decentralized treatment solutions, including nature-based systems, and on micropollutant removal.
His colleague, Birte Raes, has been part of Aquafin’s R&D team for six years. She specializes in water reuse, micropollutant removal, and impact assessment. Among other projects, she contributed to Schone Waterlopen door O3G (Interreg Vlaanderen–Nederland), which explored large-scale micropollutant removal through innovative ozone and activated carbon technologies.
Their role in PREWAPHARM
Aquafin brings long-standing expertise in wastewater treatment and pharmaceuticals in wastewater. Within PREWAPHARM, the company is involved in case studies on medicine residues in overflows and small-scale wastewater treatment plants, with a focus on nature-based solutions such as reed beds. These studies compare the capacity of existing systems with pilot setups to assess effectiveness for micropollutant removal.
Beyond technical research, Aquafin also strengthens connections across the pharmaceutical chain, from production to disposal. As a member of the “Medicines in Water” working group of the Green Deal Sustainable Care, the organisation contributes to building a stronger cross-sectoral network.
Why this topic matters
Conventional wastewater treatment is not designed to remove pharmaceuticals. Medicines taken by people partly end up in urine and feces, eventually reaching treatment plants and the environment. Pharmaceutical pollution affects aquatic life and directly challenges Aquafin’s mission: vibrant waterways full of life and an environment in balance with water.
Looking ahead
The updated Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive requires quaternary treatment for pharmaceutical removal by 2027 in large-scale plants, with phased implementation until 2045. However, small-scale plants and overflows may also have significant impacts — especially when linked to healthcare facilities or ageing populations — yet cannot rely on costly high-tech solutions. Through PREWAPHARM, Aquafin investigates nature-based alternatives and advocates for a chain approach, tackling the issue collaboratively from source to end-of-pipe. By connecting with partners across Europe, Aquafin aims to make pharmaceutical pollution management more effective, sustainable, and future-proof.
Main photo credits: Aquafin, KWZI Beselare / Supporting photo: Aquafin, KWZI Deurle