Water restrictions in 29 French departments

Storms may be on the way over the weekend, but while they will bring welcome respite from the recent high temperatures, they will not bring enough rain to make up for the recent dryspell, which has seen 29 departments raise their drought alert levels.

The website of official water monitor Propluvia shows the departments with restrictions in place in grey, yellow, orange and red according to the severity of the water situation.

Vigilance (grey) - professional establishments and heavy users should make efforts to save water

Alert (yellow) - agricultural businesses should cut the number of water withdrawals and harvests for farming up to 50%, or restrict withdrawals to three times’ per week, whichever uses less water. Topping up your swimming pool or using extra water for water-based fun activities are completely banned. Watering your garden and washing your car are banned for several hours a day.

Strong Alert (orange) - agricultural businesses should cut the number of water withdrawals and harvests made for farming by another 50%. Even stronger limits on washing your car, watering your garden or topping up your swimming pool.

Crisis (red) - Non-priority uses of water are banned, including water for agriculture. Water usage is only permitted for health issues, civil security, as drinking water, or for necessary personal cleaning.