France is in a state of emergency, as strict water usage restrictions have been imposed across nearly 70% of its territory. The prolonged drought, combined with successive heatwaves that have battered the country over the past three months, has prompted the French government to convene an emergency meeting this coming Wednesday to address the escalating crisis.
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Drought in France: Warning from the Ministry of Ecological Transition and alert levels
The Ministry of Ecological Transition has made the situation clear: “At a time when France is going through an exceptionally intense drought period, the effects of climate change continue to intensify pressure on water resources,” adding that “nearly 70% of French territory is subject to water use restrictions.”
As of August 9th, all 99 metropolitan French departments were placed under at least a vigilance alert. Among these, 67 departments were declared to be in a state of crisis — the highest alert level — while 21 were placed under enhanced monitoring status.
At the crisis level, water is reserved exclusively for priority uses: healthcare, civil security, drinking water, and public sanitation. At the alert and enhanced monitoring levels, restrictions apply to garden and green space irrigation, swimming pool refilling, car washing, and agricultural irrigation.
On Wednesday, Minister of Ecological Transition Monique Barboux is expected to meet with members of the Hydrological Forecasting and Monitoring Committee (CASH), as well as with local prefects, to discuss the ongoing challenges posed by the drought.
