Drought 2022: map of water restrictions by department

2022-08-26 12:25:00

The drought continues to affect France in this summer of 2022 and it should last until November! Almost the entire territory is subject to water restrictions according to the different alert levels. Here is the map of the departments affected by the drought as well as the water restrictions that apply there. Are you allowed to water your garden? Explanations.

Drought 2022: map of drought restrictions'eau par département

[Updated Wednesday, August 24 at 3:30 p.m.] The historic drought affecting France is impacting all of Europe with 64% of the continent affected by a drought warning or alert. After a very dry month of July 2022, the critical situation could continue until November in certain particularly affected southern regions. Most of France remains affected by the lack of water with groundwater at very low levels . The departments had to take restrictive measures, more or less important, to preserve the quantities of water. Many regions prohibit, for example, watering your garden or filling your swimming pool and some even ask to reduce domestic water consumption for the dishes or the shower. More than a hundred municipalities are even short of drinking water and must be supplied by tank trucks. Is your department affected by the restrictions? Here is everything you need to know about the exceptional drought of this year 2022.

What are the reasons for the 2022 drought?

A rain deficit in winter and spring mainly explains the lack of water, the reserves having not been able to be replenished as much as in other years. A first heat wave in May then an early heat wave in June followed by another episode in July put the land to the test with widespread drought in the territory. Meteo France records July 2022 as the driest month since 1958 . Unfortunately, the localized storms in August were not enough to make up for the deficits at the beginning of the year, especially since the rain did not have time to be absorbed by the ground. Water penetrates less easily in dry soils. It will therefore be necessary wait for fine and regular rains to benefit plants and winter rains to recharge groundwater.

The map of water restrictions and drought in France

Since 2011, it is possible to find all the drought decrees on the site Propluvia proposed by the Ministry of Ecological Transition. The information tool offers in particular a map interactive which allows you to visualize at a glance the drought alert level of your region or your department in real time.

carte-secheresse-france-24-aout-2022 — Map of departments affected by water restrictions

Which departments are affected by the water restrictions?

To date, all departments are concerned by at least one prefectural decree limiting certain uses of water . 93 departments out of 96 are now affected by water restrictions. 77 of them are on drought red alert, i.e. the crisis level. We find in particular: Alpes-Maritimes, Bouche-du-Rhône, Charente, Cher, Deux-Sèvres, Eure-et-Loir, Hautes-Pyrénées, Gers, Gironde, Ille-et-Vilaine, Indre, Loire-Atlantique, Loiret, Lot, Lot-et-Garonne, Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne, Morbihan, Puy-de-Dôme, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Var, Vendée, Vienne, Sarthe, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne...

How do I know if my municipality is affected by water restrictions?

Note that certain restrictions may not apply to the entire department but to a localized part of the territory. You can go to the Propluvia website to find out the exact situation of your municipality . You will find the various decrees that directly concern your municipality.

What are the different restrictions depending on the drought alert levels?

Water restrictions apply according to the drought alert level:

Vigilance (level 1) : individuals and professionals concerned by a department in vigilance are invited to save water.
Alert (level 2) : this level implies the reduction of withdrawals for agricultural purposes, the prohibition of valve operation and nautical activities. For individuals, washing their car or watering their garden and green spaces is prohibited between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Heightened alert (level 3) : this second level retains the reduction of withdrawals for agricultural purposes, the prohibition of valve operation and nautical activities. car washing, watering gardens, green spaces and golf courses are very limited or even prohibited.
Crisis (level 4) : this last level provides for the cessation of non-priority direct debits. Only samples concerning health, civil security, drinking water and sanitation are authorized. Concretely, individuals are prohibited from watering their garden between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., filling their swimming pool, cleaning their vehicle, facades, walls, roofs and terraces or upgrading a body of water.

Is it forbidden to water your garden in case of drought?

Individuals are also affected by water restrictions. Depending on the situation of your department or your municipality, it is possible that it is forbidden to water your garden. This will require checking the drought alert level about your home.

In case of vigilance level: you must avoid watering your garden between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
In the event of an alert: it is forbidden to water your garden between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
In the event of a heightened alert or crisis: it is forbidden to water your garden or lawn.

Note that only the vegetable gardens can continue to be watered between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Can you use water from your well during water restrictions?

If you own a well or a borehole, you are still subject to the same water restrictions because these facilities draw water from surface groundwater. It is therefore advisable to consult the town halls and the orders applicable locally to determine whether or not you can use your well water for irrigation.

What are the tips for saving water?

In case of drought, it is imperative to respect the prefectoral decree in force. Even before restrictions are put in place, you can control your daily consumption and save water with simple gestures . The Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion recommends: