Map: Latest water restrictions across France and how public is affected

Water usage is being limited in several areas of France as drought restrictions come into force. 

Officials are still hopeful of avoiding widespread droughts this year, but low rainfall in spring – particularly in the east of France – means warnings are already in place in several areas. 

Alongside the east and in the Pyrénées-Orientales, areas of Normandy, the north of France, and some central areas are beginning to face restrictions. 

In comparison, much of the south-west and south-east – areas that usually face the warmest summer temperatures – are free from restrictions.

The interactive map below shows which areas are beginning to face water restrictions (on tap water), based on the river basins or underground water tables feeding the areas. 

It is based on information as of June 10, 2025.

It shows the level of the drought in the area – vigilance, alerte, alerte renforcée, or crise. 

The higher this warning, the more restrictions in place. 

Local authorities are responsible for implementing warnings, as well as detailing any restrictions. 

Generally, in areas with a vigilance warning in place there are no restrictions for homeowners (farmers may face some) but authorities remind people not to waste water. 

At the alerte level, measures such as preventing swimming pools being filled or topped up and restrictions on cleaning cars and watering plants may start to be enacted. 

The alerte renforcée level will see tougher measures along the same lines, and at the crise level all but essential water usage for drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes are banned. 

Restrictions are specific to each commune and can vary. You can check the measures in a given area at the official VigiEau website. 

The website has an interactive map or allows you to check restrictions by entering a postcode. Our article here looks at the website in more detail.