Severe drought has led the French government to impose water restrictions that include a ban on watering gardens and washing cars at certain times. 24 out of France’s 96 departments are imposing these limits according to the country’s Ministry of Ecological Transition.

Their website, Propluvia, confirmed (May 29), that 24 departments crossed over the alert threshold for drought, and have water restrictions in force. On May 11, the number was just 14. 

Rainfall levels have been well below normal in France since September 2021, and last month the deficit climbed to 25%.

Vendée, Vienne and Loiret are on the highest “crisis” level. 

The levels, as used by Propluvia, and restrictions in place, are: 

Vigilance: Individuals and professionals are informed and encouraged to save water.

Alert: Reduction of water use for agricultural purposes by less than 50% (or a ban of up to 3 days per week), ban on water sports activities, watering gardens, green spaces, washing cars at certain times.

Reinforced alert: Reduction of water use for agricultural purposes by more than 50% (or a ban of more than 3.5 days per week), ban on watering gardens, green spaces, and washing cars.

Crisis: Ban on all non-priority use, including for agricultural purposes. Only priority uses are authorised (such as health, civil security, drinking water, and sanitation).

France’s water problems come in the height of rising cost of living largely due to supply chain disruptions after heavy sanctions were slapped on Russia by Europe and the US for invading Ukraine on February 24 this year. Recent data show annual inflation rate in France was 4.8% in April this year, the highest since October of 1985, compared to 4.5% in March. Prices accelerated for services (+3.0% after +2.3% in March), food (+3.8% after +2.9%) and manufactured goods (+2.6% after +2.1%).

Photo by Fran Jacquier.