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Map: tap water restrictions remain in place across France
More than a third of departments at the highest ‘crise’ level as November begins
Restrictions on tap water usage remain widespread at the start of November, with more than a third of departments on the highest alert.
At least one commune in 35 departments across France is at a ‘crise’ level for tap water restrictions, the highest possible and where all but essential water usage is banned.
A further 24 have at least one commune on the second-highest level of restrictions, alerte renforcée, and 11 have at least one commune on alerte, the first level of restrictions.
Typical restrictions include bans on washing cars and limiting the watering of plants or gardens.
Even though most swimming pools have now been put to winter, restrictions on topping them up or filling them remain.
A further seven departments are on the vigilance warning, where no restrictions on usage are in place but people are encouraged to be sensible over water usage to prevent supplies from dropping.
Prolonged droughts in the summer coupled with record heatwaves saw water supply diminish and rainfall so far this autumn has yet to refill aquifers across most of the country.
Which areas are most impacted?
The most intense restrictions remain in place across northern France, eastern areas, and the south-west (excluding Gironde).
Conversely, much of the Mediterranean south and central areas that saw recent heavy rainfall have lifted restrictions.
Although some restrictions are department-wide, in many cases limits are put in place at a commune level, as local water sources do not match departmental boundaries.
This means restrictions can vary from one village to the next. In turn, it is best to check exact restrictions in your commune, using the official VigiEau website.
The website also shows restrictions for well- and river-water usage, which can vary from tap water restrictions, as well as having different limits for residents, businesses, farmers, and local authorities.
How long will restrictions last?
Restrictions are likely to remain in place for several more weeks as calm and dry conditions continue in the north and east.
Around two-thirds of France’s water tables, the main source for tap water in most departments, remained at below-average levels in October.
While sustained rainfall in the south and some central areas has lifted restrictions, the north and east continue to see some aquifers at critically low levels.
Limits on water usage will only be lifted once sustained rainfall has replenished sources in the north, however, authorities may choose to keep restrictions in place across the winter to maximise the amount that supplies replenish.
This could help reduce the effects of any potential drought next summer.
You can use the VigiEau website to keep up to date with the latest information in your area.
