How bad is the drought in France? See restrictions in your department

The French government has a system of alert levels to protect against the effects of drought, with various restrictions being introduced depending on the severity. 

In this article we show the overall alert levels at departmental level, more localised maps to show possible alert levels in communes and also break down what each alert level means and what restrictions are in place. 

General departmental alert map

The first map below shows the predominant alert level in each department, ranging from zero restrictions to code 4, or crisis level. The other maps show the alerts in place with a new map for each alert level. These maps are accurate as of March 26 and are updated every Monday. 

You can click the search icon at the top left of the map and type your department name to highlight it.

Key:

• No code - No restrictions
• Code: 1 - warning (vigilance)
• Code: 2 - alert (alerte)
• Code: 3 - heightened alert (alerte renforcée)
• Code: 4 - crisis (crise) 

Code 1: warning level

This is the lowest alert level. 

• People and businesses are encouraged to reduce their water usage, but it is not obligatory. 
• Information on reducing water usage and managing drought should be shared by local and departmental authorities – you may receive flyers in the mail outlining this. 

The map below reflects the departments where code 1 alerts are in place in at least one of the communes. 

Code 2: alert level

• Bans could be introduced on watering gardens, green spaces or golf courses within certain hours
• Bans may be introduced on washing cars within certain hours
• Limits could be imposed on the amount of water used to fill swimming pools
• Water usage for agricultural means is limited 
• Measures are put in place to ban the opening of sluice gates

The map below reflects the departments where code 2 alerts are in place in at least one of the communes.  

Code 3: heightened alert

• Stricter limits on watering gardens, green spaces or golf courses and in some cases these acts are banned completely
• Stricter limits are placed on washing cars and in some cases this is banned completely
• Water usage for agricultural means is limited further

The map below reflects the departments where code 3 alerts are in place in at least one of the communes. 

Code 4: crisis

• Water use is only permitted for necessary means, including for drinking, health, civil security, cleaning
• Ban on watering gardens, green spaces or golf courses. There are sometimes exceptions for trees, bushes and vegetable gardens within certain hours
• Ban on washing cars
• Ban on filling swimming pools
• Ban on water usage for most agricultural practices

The map below reflects the departments where code 4 alerts are in place in at least one of the communes. 

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