The majority of departments in France are now facing reminders or restrictions on tap water usage as the summer drought intensifies.
A number of departments in central and northern France as well as those near the eastern Spanish border are facing red-level ‘crisis’ alerts, the highest possible which ban all but essential water usage.
This includes Aude, Bouches-du-Rhône, Pyrénées-Orientales, and Loiret.
At least one department of every region in mainland France has at least a ‘vigilance’ alert, which does not come with restrictions but asks property owners, farmers, and businesses to be mindful of tap water usage.
Many in the east are at a tier-two alert level, the second-highest possible, with some in central France at a heightened alert.
A lack of spring rain in the north of France and a prolonged June/July heatwave has led to a return to widespread restrictions after a notably quieter summer last year.
An incoming heatwaveis likely to cause increased restrictions in certain areas as high temperatures dry out soils.
The map below shows the situation as of Sunday August 3.
Check restrictions near you
While the map provides an overview of where restrictions are in place, it does not show the full extent of the measures.
Ad
Restrictions on usage – including restrictions on filling swimming pools, watering plants, cleaning cars, etc – are raised at a commune level and do not always correspond to a certain warning level.
The official VigiEau website provides a full breakdown of restrictions according to these parameters.
Fines can reach up to €1,500 for those caught breaking rules.
You can check restrictions in your area using VigiEau’s interactive map or by typing in your address and then altering the drop-down menus for your specific situation, i.e. your property type and the source of your water.
