The Molenbeek-Ter Erpenbeek or in popular language Molenbeek (English: Millbrook-Ter Erpenbrook) is a brook in the Denderstreek region of Belgium. The stream has a length of approximately 25 kilometers. The source of the Molenbeek is in Godveerdegem and the delta is located at Hofstade. This brook is not to be confused with a 22-km water body called Molenbeek, which also flows through Erpe-Mere (and Herzele). The 22-km Molenbeek is part of the Drie Molenbeken drainage basin.
Basin The basin of the Molenbeek is located in the province of East Flanders and flows through the municipalities of Zottegem (Godveerdegem, Erwetegem, and Grotenberge), Herzele (Herzele, Sint-Lievens-Esse, Woubrechtegem, and Ressegem), Haaltert (Heldergem, Kerksken, and Haaltert), Erpe-Mere (Aaigem, Mere, and Erpe) and Aalst (Aalst and Hofstade).
The Molenbeek is part of the Molenbeek Erpe-Mere drainage basin, which is itself part of the Dender basin. The basin of the Molenbeek has an area of approximately 5474 hectares. The Molenbeek flows into the Dender at Hofstade.
From its source in Godveerdegem to the delta in Hofstade, the Molenbeek has the following tributaries: Plankebeek, Meilegembeek, De Burg's Heerendijkbeek, Grep, Holbeek, Steenbeek, and Zijpbeek.
Landmarks Due to the geography of the area, there are eight water mills in Erpe-Mere on the Molenbeek, of which six are protected by law. One of mills which was not protected has been converted into a house. On the Koudenberg, one of the highest hills of the community, there is a windmill that is protected by law. It was re-mounted on its base in 2006 after being restored in 2004 by a studio in Roeselare. The Kruiskoutermolen was restored in 2006 and is operational. It can be visited by appointment with the tourist service. There is also a water tower in Erpe in the basin of de Molenbeek.
Place Name(s) Address Type Protected Info Aaigem Engelsmolen Molen te Dalhem Molen te Dalme Engelsmolen 1 Overshot watermill Yes It was originally a wheat mill, oil mill, and a flax attrition mill Later on it was only a wheat mill Aaigem Ratmolen Waterrat Ratmolenstraat 42 Overshot watermill Yes It was originally a wheat mill and an oil mill Later on it was only a wheat mill Aaigem Zwingelmolen Aaigembergstraat 10 Overshot watermill No It was originally a flax attrition mill Later on it became a chicory mill The mill wheel has been removed It has been renovated as a house Erpe Cottemmolen Molenstraat 36 Overshot watermill Yes It was originally a wheat mill and an oil mill Later on it was only a wheat mill Erpe Van Der Biestmolen Dorpsstraat 3 Overshot watermill No Wheat mill Mere De Graevesmolen Bosstraat 25 Overshot watermill Yes Wheat mill and an oil mill Mere Gotegemmolen Gotegemstraat 1 Overshot watermill Yes Wheat mill Mere Kruiskoutermolen Jezuïtenmolen Molen Van Der Haegen Schoolstraat Post windmill with open foot Yes Wheat mill Mere Molen te Broeck 't Hof Schuurke Wilgendries 6 Overshot watermill Yes Wheat mill
External links Map drainage basin: Molenbeek Erpe-Mere