Drought forces water restrictions across nearly 70% of France

France is grappling with severe drought, with nearly 70 percent of its territory under water-use restrictions as successive heatwaves exacerbate the crisis. The government announced on Monday that the prolonged dry spell, compounded by record-breaking temperatures, has depleted groundwater reserves to critical levels.

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As France is experiencing a particularly severe drought, the effects of climate change continue to increase pressure on water resources.

According to the Ministry for Ecological Transition, the situation is dire, with two-thirds of the nation's groundwater reserves falling below normal levels. July 2026 marked the hottest month ever recorded in France and the third driest in terms of precipitation, with a nationwide rainfall deficit nearing 70 percent. This has led to a significant increase in water demand, particularly from agriculture and tourism sectors.

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nearly 70 percent of French territory is subject to restrictions on water use

In the 67 departments under the highest alert level, water is strictly reserved for essential services like healthcare, civil protection, and sanitation. Lower alert levels impose restrictions on activities such as watering gardens, filling swimming pools, and washing cars. The Bureau of Geological and Mining Research highlighted that the drawdown of groundwater is particularly pronounced this year due to a rainfall shortfall in July and increased water demand.

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due to the shortfall in effective rainfall in July and the increase in water demand for various purposes

Ecology Minister Monique Barbut previously noted that drinking water supplies were strained in several areas, with over 30,000 people already affected by tap water cuts, receiving water via tanker trucks or bottled supplies. A crisis meeting on the drought is scheduled, as France braces for another heatwave with temperatures expected to reach 35C in the southeast.

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under strain in several areas