Drought in France: Nearly 70% of territory under water restrictions

France is grappling with an intensifying drought, leading to water usage restrictions across nearly 70% of the country. The prolonged heatwaves experienced over the past three months have significantly strained water resources, prompting the government to announce a crisis meeting.

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France is going through a particularly intense drought, the effects of climate change continue to exacerbate tensions on water resources

According to the Ministry of Ecological Transition, the effects of climate change are exacerbating the water scarcity. As of August 9, all 99 departments in metropolitan France are under at least a vigilance threshold. Of these, 67 departments are in a state of crisis, and 21 are under reinforced alert, indicating severe water shortages.

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nearly 70% of French territory is subject to water usage restrictions

In departments under crisis level, water use is strictly limited to essential needs such as health, civil security, and drinking water. Areas under alert or reinforced alert face restrictions on non-essential activities like watering gardens, filling swimming pools, washing cars, and agricultural irrigation. The situation has become so critical that over 30,000 people in 80 communes are already experiencing water cutoffs and rely on bottled water or water delivered by tankers.

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Drinking water supply is under tension in several territories

Minister of Ecological Transition Monique Barbut previously noted that 47 departments were under tension for drinking water supply. The upcoming crisis meeting will involve the Hydrological Anticipation and Monitoring Committee (CASH) and regional prefectures to provide an updated assessment of the hydrological situation, discuss the consequences for various water uses, and focus on the impact of the drought on flora and fauna.

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water cutoffs at the tap" were already affecting "more than 30,000 people in 80 communes