-
Drought alerts in France: where residents should look out for water restrictions
Use our interactive map to see where drought warnings increased last month
-
Where drought alerts apply in France and what restrictions you may face
More areas issued with warnings and restrictions - including hosepipe bans - as new heatwave arrives
-
Tourism hosts, French golf courses and ski resorts asked to reduce water consumption
25 industry players will receive government funding to reduce consumption
Project to make wastewater fit for drinking in France
The Jourdain project in western France is the first of its kind in Europe, and could provide a solution to future droughts

A major project to transform wastewater into drinking water is expected to be up and running in France by the end of the year.
The Jourdain programme, led by utility company Veolia in collaboration with public water authorities, claims to be the first of its kind in Europe.
Treated wastewater from a plant in Sables d’Olonne (Vendée) will be recovered for further treatment instead of being released into the sea.
This water will be transported to a dam, then discharged into a vegetated area and mixed with river water before slowly reaching the drinking water production plant.
The results of the three-year experiment will be closely monitored by authorities, as treated wastewater can currently be reused only for irrigation or the watering of public green spaces.
Read more: France allows local authorities to use wastewater after record drought
France gets less than 1% of its water this way, compared to 8% in Italy, and 14% in Spain.
This past winter saw 25% less rainfall than average.
Local authorities have been advised to implement water restrictions now to avoid critical shortages in the summer.
Several departments have already done so – see restrictions in your area.
Related articles
How France plans to tackle increasing water shortages
Water management expert throws doubt on French minister’s drought plan
Homeowners in France urged to help ease drought and forest fires