On Oléron island, seven-minute showers are the norm to save water

On the tourist island of Oléron, France, a campsite is implementing a strict seven-minute shower limit per person to conserve water amid drought conditions. The "Flots-Atlantique" campsite in Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron has installed a system using connected bracelets that precisely quantify each individual's water consumption.

Cyril Dubreau, the campsite manager, explained that water does not flow continuously. Campers must press a button every 30 seconds. A green planet symbol indicates consumption below five minutes, turning orange and then red beyond six minutes, with the water shutting off at seven minutes. This innovative solution, costing 10,000 euros, was implemented after a significant water leak in 2024.

Dubreau stated the system provides valuable data beyond utility bills and is crucial for educating campers about water conservation out of "respect for nature." While 95% of campers welcome the initiative, he noted a small percentage of complaints. Long-time visitor Pascal Mahu, 57, finds the seven-minute limit "very good" and sufficient for showering and shampooing. Twelve-year-old Jeanelle added that it reduces queue times for showers.

Data from August 5th to 12th shows the average shower time at the campsite is 4 minutes and 11 seconds. This measure is particularly timely as Charente-Maritime, including the islands of Ré and Oléron, anticipates a peak in drinking water consumption around August 15th. Jérôme Pithon, deputy director of Eau 17, the water authority, highlighted that the region's water production system is operating at its maximum capacity, with little room for error, emphasizing the need for pragmatic water saving, especially from high-consumption sectors like campsites.