MAP: see areas subject to updated drought restrictions in France
We look at the departments where warnings and water restrictions now apply following data released yesterday July 5
We look at the French departments under drought warnings and restrictions
Claudio Soldi / Shutterstock
France’s official data concerning where drought warnings and/or alerts and thus water restrictions for residents are in place was updated yesterday (July 5).
While there has been little change to the restrictions since last week, some departments have seen new alerts added or taken away.
We will provide updated maps if new data is released and note that more spells of exceptionally warm weather are predicted for the coming weeks.
When drought alerts are in place in a department, the level of restriction can vary depending on the commune - we cannot show the variations exactly as they occur and advise checking on the official French Propluvia drought alert website or with your mairie.
This map shows the departments where drought warnings or restrictions are in place at the moment, with green departments not under any type of alert, and the others classed from light to dark red according to the severity of the situation.
Our additional maps below also reflect area variations in greater detail.
You can search for your department in the top left-hand corner.
1. Departments under vigilance warnings
‘Vigilance’ (‘warning’) is the lowest level of drought restriction in France and involves raising awareness and encouraging individuals to reduce their water usage.
The map below reflects the departments which are largely or completely covered by a vigilance warning.
You can find out further information about your commune on the government’s Propluvia drought alert website.
2. Departments under alerte-level restrictions
Water restrictions begin to be imposed from ‘alert’ (‘alerte’) level, which imposes limits on the amount of water which can be used for farming and for watering green spaces such as golf courses.
Residents will be required to reduce the amount of water they use to fill swimming pools, wash cars and water their garden among other actions.
Farmers will have to reduce their water usage by up to 50% (or stop using it for up to three days a week).
The map below reflects the departments in which there are alertes are in place, although the restrictions will not necessarily cover the whole area. Further details can be found on Propluvia.
3. Departments under alerte renforcée-level restrictions
The next level of restrictions is ‘reinforced alert’ (‘alerte renforcée’), which tightens the above limitations and could also lead to some usages being temporarily banned.
Farmers must reduce their water usage by at least 50% or stop using it for 3.5 days each week.
The map below reflects the French departments in which there is at least one reinforced alert in place, perhaps in conjunction with lower level alerts.
4. Departments under crise-level restrictions
The final restriction level is ‘crisis’ (‘crise’), under which water may only be used for essential reasons such as drinking, cooking or washing.
Below is a map showing the departments where some areas are under crisis-level restrictions.
This information is correct as of July 6, 2022.
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