More areas of France face highest level of tap water restrictions
44 departments now have at least one commune at ‘crisis’ level
Tap water restrictions continue to mount across France.
A total of 44 departments now have at least one commune at the highest crise level, implementing the strictest tap water restrictions where all but essential usage is banned.
A further 29 have at least one commune on alerte renforcée – the second highest level of restrictions – with 12 having at least one on alerte, the first level of restrictions.
There are only nine where vigilance warnings – no restrictions but where authorities urge residents to be mindful over tap water usage – are implemented.
In all of mainland France, only two – Maine-et-Loire and Lot – have no tap water restrictions of any kind, however are both covered by restrictions to well and river water usage. It means that all departments face restrictions of at least one kind.
The two maps below show tap water restrictions as of 10:00 on Thursday (July 30).
The first shows departments affected, with the second showing specific communes.
This latter map highlights how in several departments, restrictions now cover most if not all areas, and are not limited to only a handful of small communes.
Restrictions on tap water usage can include limits on watering gardens and plants, washing cars, topping up or filling swimming pools, and cleaning driveways and property exteriors.
As mentioned, there are also separate restrictions on both river and well water usage, which can differ considerably.
Restrictions are also imposed differently for businesses, individuals, farmers, and local authorities.
The best place to check restrictions of all types is through the official VigiEau website, both with its interactive map and search tool (giving up to date information about your commune).
Our article here explains how to use VigiEau in more depth.
The Connexion recently answered a series of reader questions over the drought, including how rainwater is affected, and the rules on topping up swimming pools. You can read it here.
