Vlakwa is a renowned brand in the field of water management and research. They provide expert services and advice to various stakeholders including entrepreneurs, researchers, and governments. One of their notable projects is Vollegrondsgroenten irrigeren met gezuiverd huishoudelijk afvalwater (Irricoli), which explores the feasibility and safety of irrigating field vegetables with purified household wastewater.

The project aims to address the challenges faced by the agricultural sector during periods of drought by utilizing alternative water sources, such as treated domestic wastewater. Aquafin, the sewage treatment company, possesses large quantities of treated wastewater that can be used for agricultural irrigation. However, the use of this water poses microbiological risks to food safety.

Additionally, there is a lack of knowledge and infrastructure in distributing this water sustainably across farmlands. The Irricoli project, funded by VLAIO, focuses on studying the microbial composition of treated domestic wastewater, evaluating the survival of pathogens on various crops after irrigation, and determining the factors affecting the cost of a water distribution system. Workshops will also be conducted to provide legal and financial frameworks for operating such a system.

The project targets the agricultural sector, particularly farmers growing field vegetables. However, the results and findings of Irricoli are relevant to wastewater providers, service providers, governments, and vegetable processing companies as well. The project is coordinated by Flanders' FOOD and executed by various partners, including Vlakwa.

Vlakwa's contribution to the project includes facilitating communication between Aquafin and farmers, assessing their water requirements, designing suitable water distribution networks, and exploring legal and financial aspects of collaborative water management. The project is ongoing and interested parties can participate by contacting the project manager. Overall, Vlakwa's involvement in the Irricoli project demonstrates their commitment to innovative water management solutions, ensuring the safety and sustainability of agricultural practices in the face of water scarcity