We walked the first 7 kilometres in the river’s source area with a diverse group of 20 people at the invitation of Waterboard Limburg. Together, we tried to gain an understanding of the river’s character and what we were experiencing.
Olivier from Contract de Rivier works professionally with the Geer / Jeker on a daily basis and knows most about it. There are about 4–5 sources polluting the river, and once the planned treatment plants become operational, the river’s condition will improve significantly.
The two main sources of pollution are households that still discharge waste directly into the river: from lifeline to open sewer. The second is a large company, Hesbaye Frost, which washes vegetables before they are sold. Pesticide toxins and other residues end up partly in retention basins and partly directly in the river. As a result, the water is grey-black in some places due to the fermented waste material and the lack of oxygen. It also smells in various places.
The water barely flows due to beaver activity. A pair of beavers was introduced to the area 10 years ago and has now spread widely.
Olivier from Contract de Rivier and Freek from Waterboard Limburg
Beaver activity in the Geer / Jeker River
At one point, Freek from Waterboard Limburg measured 3.8 mg/l of nitrate, and a little further on, as much as 9.8 mg/l (summer nitrate limit values are 2.3 mg/l in the Netherlands and 4 mg/l in Wallonia).
In a number of places, the sponge effect is clearly visible in the landscape. Some areas already have nature reserve status. A new 14-hectare section will hopefully be added soon, thereby expanding these riverbank areas and gradually creating more connected habitats. The first part of our walk along the riverbanks is already beautiful and will become even more so with this expansion.
Yet you can already sense the fragility of the area within the first few kilometres, as you pass the surrounding potato fields and poplar plantations. Sugar beet was phased out some time ago, which has had an immediate positive effect on water quality. At the end, we see a clear tributary with aquatic plants, which gives us a fresh sense of hope.
In the village, we are welcomed by the councillors and hear about the future water treatment plan, which is a challenge in a hilly landscape with small municipalities.