The message of José van Egmond from Van Egmond Lisianthus is clear. Compliance with the legislation relating to the water purification requirement that commences on January 1, 2018, takes more time than most growers think. It is now time to start.
"Every year we produce 220 million Lisianthus plants from seed for our customers. In order to deliver a continuous high quality all year round, we do not take any risk at all with the quality of our water. We started in 2016 with the setting up of an internal water plan, in which we mapped all water flows. We also measure the quality of the water continuously in the crucial places. A complete overview and insight into the volume of water that comes in and goes out, is the result. This took us months, but this allowed us to make the right choice for the disinfection system that suits our business best. The mandatory purification of residual water flows involves much more than just a purification plant," according to José van Egmond.
Walter Spek of Aphrodite Orchidee cultivates Phalaenopsis on 2.5 ha. and made the water plan himself. "My tip to colleague growers is simple: make sure you get all the water flows in the picture. It has taken me about eight months to make the complete water plan. The inventory of all pipes, water meters and overflow points takes time, but is necessary for a correct purchase decision. The volume of water to be recycled determines the required capacity of the plant. We expect to recycle about 200 to 300 m3 of water per week. This estimate was the result of the water plan," Walter Spek concludes.
José van Egmond
60% has yet to start
Guus Meis, policy specialist Environment and Water at LTO Glaskracht Nederland, estimates that about 60% of growers who have to purify individually, have not yet taken any action. "Here I do expect problems. Not only does the mapping of all the water flows of the company require a number of months, also the work schedule of the installers fills up. If you want to cultivate as a grower on January 1, 2018, you really have to get into action now. Start together with your installer to map all water flows to determine which of the six purification plants on the BZG list is most suitable for your company.”
- Apollo Plus by Enthoven Techniek BV from Maasdijk
- HortiMax CleanLite from HortiMax BV from Maasdijk
- Priva Vialux E-line unit and Priva Vialux M-line with E-line from Priva BV from De Lier
- Hortizone of Agrozone IE BV from Loenen
- Opticlear Diamond of Water IQ International BV from Nuenen
- WaterQ DEFENDER of WaterQ from Nijmegen
As of January 1, 2018, a mandatory purification of residual water flows will apply. Purification plants must remove at least 95% of crop protection products from the water to be discharged and the purification efficiency of imidacloprid has even been determined at least 99.5%. It concerns drain water at substrate cultivation, drainage water at soil-based cultivation and filtration water.