In Belgium, sewage water has contaminated a number of rivers in the vicinity of the capital Brussels.

A sewage plant was switched off on Tuesday because of technical problems. Meanwhile water quality in the Zenne, Rupel and Schelde rivers has deteriorated dramatically.

Environmental organisations fear that the contamination will affect fish levels, especially in the river Zenne, which has turned brown.

The Flemish environment Minister Joke Schauvliege is furious with the sewage plant's managing director. She wants the plant switched back on as soon as possible.

Photo: River Zenne - Flickr wwilliamm