Two-thirds still on drought alert

TWO-THIRDS of mainland France remains on drought alert, despite some heavy rain and storms in recent weeks.

Water restrictions are in place across 66 departments because of low reservoir levels after an exceptionally dry spring and early summer.

The west of France is the worst affected. Ten departments in and around the Poitou-Charentes have called for non-essential water use, such as watering lawns and washing cars, to be avoided.

Restrictions in other parts of France vary from one department to the next - and may only apply to specific areas and on certain days of the week.

In many cases, precise usage restrictions only apply to people who take water from rivers, streams or groundwater, for irrigation of farms.

Your local mairie or préfecture should have more information of any decrees affecting you.

Find out if your department is affected at this link.