Drought triggers water restrictions in Saône-et-Loire and Haute-Loire

Severe drought conditions are impacting multiple departments in France, leading to significant water restrictions and emergency measures.

In Saône-et-Loire, an exceptional drought lasting since late June has placed several territories in a crisis situation. To prioritize drinking water and essential needs for humans and animals, the prefecture has restricted activities such as car washing. However, to mitigate economic impacts on the approximately 60 local car wash stations, exceptional derogations have been introduced. These allow for washing vehicles for public health or safety reasons, the use of rainwater-fed systems, or limited operating hours for stations equipped with recycling or high-pressure systems.

In Haute-Loire, the situation has escalated to ‘reinforced alert’ (orange level) across nearly the entire department due to a rainfall deficit exceeding 50% and record soil dryness. This escalation follows heatwaves and a lack of precipitation since early July. The reinforced alert imposes restrictions on various users, including businesses, farmers, and individuals. Prohibited activities include watering ornamental gardens, lawns, and green spaces, watering golf courses (except greens), using potable water for public fountains, and washing vehicles outside of professional high-pressure or recycling facilities.