Drought in Saône-et-Loire and Côte-d'Or triggers water restrictions

Persistent drought conditions in the French departments of Saône-et-Loire and Côte-d'Or have led to increased water restrictions and calls for conservation. In Saône-et-Loire, authorities have implemented various levels of restrictions to preserve groundwater levels. These measures include prohibitions on watering gardens and green spaces during certain hours, limitations on washing vehicles and boats, restrictions on filling swimming pools, and bans on using potable water for non-essential tasks such as cleaning facades.

In Côte-d'Or, despite recent temperature drops and some rainfall, the prefecture and Dijon Métropole warn that the drought continues. Authorities emphasize that recent rain does not signal an end to the crisis, as groundwater recharge requires sustained and significant precipitation. Currently, 13 out of 14 zones in the department remain in a drought alert status. Residents are urged to practice sobriety by limiting water use to strictly essential needs, such as drinking, food preparation, and hygiene, while prioritizing short showers and repairing leaks.