Drought crisis triggers water restrictions in Bas-Rhin and Rhône

Severe drought conditions have triggered crisis-level restrictions in parts of France. In the Bas-Rhin prefecture, the watershed covering Bruche, Mossig, Ehn, Andlau, Giessen, and Liepvrette has entered a “crisis” phase due to insufficient rainfall and low water levels in the Alsace aquifer.

New regulations in Bas-Rhin include prohibitions on watering lawns and green spaces, except for young trees planted within the last two years during specific nighttime hours. Other restrictions include bans on filling private pools or spas larger than 1 cubic meter, washing vehicles (except for sanitary necessity), and operating ornamental fountains. Industrial, agricultural, and commercial water usage is also subject to reductions.

In the Rhône department, drought measures have placed the western portion in a crisis situation and the eastern portion in reinforced alert. While many surface watercourses are nearly dry, the state of groundwater varies. According to the Bureau de recherches géologiques et minières (BRGM), while some areas remain near normal levels, specific sectors such as Saint-Romain-de-Popey, Saint-Georges-de-Reneins, and Miribel are experiencing exceptionally low groundwater levels.