Drought warnings are on the rise across France, as the country braces for a potentially severe summer of water shortages and restrictions. Hosepipe bans already apply in some areas.
Heightened alert levels are now widespread, however the specific rules are determined on a local level based on the water resources available.
In the most severe cases, local authorities can impose bans on topping up swimming pools or watering garden plants.
They can also allow exceptions to the ban, such as permitting mairies to authorise residents to water their plants at night.
In the village of Bages (Pyrénées-Orientales), for instance, where the most strict level of restrictions (Level 4 'crise') apply, residents are banned from:
Watering gardens (unless the mairie says otherwise),
Filling swimming pools and jacuzzis,
Washing cars and boats (except at car washes that recover at least 70% of the used water),
Washing terraces.
People who do not adhere to these restrictions face a fine of up to €1,500.
The alert levels in place in Pyrénées-Orientales on June 30VigiEau
You can check what the situation is in your area by visiting France's official drought monitoring website VigiEau.
This service displays a colour-coded map of France, displaying the alert level that in your commune.
These levels correspond to:
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Level 1 'Vigilance' (light yellow): information and incentives for private individuals to save water.
Level 2 'Alerte (yellow): Reduced water allowances for farmers, limited ban on water sports activities and watering gardens, green spaces, golf courses and washing cars at certain times depending on the local context.
Level 3 'Alerte renforcé' (orange): Greater reductions on water allowances for farmers, tighter ban on water sports activities and watering gardens, green spaces, golf courses and washing cars.
Level 4 'Crise' (red): All non-priority water use, including for agricultural purposes, can be banned. Priority uses are authorised (health, civil security, drinking water, sanitation).
To consult the restrictions that apply in your commune, visitVigiEau and click on your commune, and then on "Je consulte les restrictions".
This will open a new page displaying the restrictions that apply locally. It also displays what time local hosepipe bans are in effect.
Early summer drought
An increasing number are being issued with ‘alerte’ and ‘alerte renforcé’.
The interactive map below shows the warnings – issued through local decrees – as of June 26. Click on the search bar in the top-left to see the warning level for each area.
As a reminder warnings are issued at a communal level. Communes are free to set their own levels and restrictions.
It means exact rules differ within areas, and the alert level may not strictly correspond to a universal set of rules.
You can find any restrictions in your commune on the official VigiEau website, which provides warnings for residents, farmers, and businesses, as well as restrictions on drinking, well, and river water.
Our article here explains how to use the website in more detail.
