'Crisis' level water restrictions imposed in 60% of French départements
Two thirds of départements in France are suffering such severe drought that 'crisis' level water restrictions have been imposed. From gardens to swimming pools and drinking water - here's what those restrictions mean for households.
Two thirds of French départements are experiencing severe drought, prompting the highest level of water restrictions to be imposed in 61 out of 96 mainland départements. These crisis-level restrictions, in effect since August 4th, cover gardens, swimming pools, car washing, fountains, and the use of natural water sources. In crisis areas, residents face fines of up to €1,500 for violating water-use rules.
Gardens cannot be watered during daylight hours, pools larger than one square metre must remain filled, and washing vehicles or hard surfaces is prohibited. Ornamental fountains should be switched off, and taking water from natural environments is strictly forbidden. While drinking water remains unaffected, residents are advised to conserve water to preserve local supplies during heatwaves.
In areas with crisis-level alerts, households may receive extra local restrictions from their local mairie, which may arrange for tanker deliveries of drinking water if taps run dry.
Written by urgent.news from The Local France's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
