France imposes water restrictions in several regions amid severe drought

The prefectures of three French departments have introduced emergency water‑use restrictions as an unusually dry summer drives river flows to historic lows. In the eastern part of Seine‑Maritime, the Bresle and Bray zones are now classified as "exceptionally dry" and residents must limit garden watering to outside the 11 am‑6 pm window, refrain from filling private pools, and only wash vehicles at professional high‑pressure stations. Public fountains and open‑circuit water features are also prohibited.

In the Charente department, the entire area has been placed under a yellow‑level drought alert. Similar bans apply, including a prohibition on private pool filling, home vehicle washing, and irrigation of pots between 11 am and 8 pm, with the aim of preserving drinking‑water supplies and fire‑fighting capacity.

Charente‑Maritime has moved to a reinforced alert, imposing stricter limits: lawn and ornamental garden watering is banned, vehicle washing at home is forbidden, private pools cannot be filled, and public fountains and beach showers are shut down. Irrigation of private vegetable gardens is only allowed before 8 am or after 8 pm. Authorities also urge citizens to fix leaks, use appliances efficiently and adopt water‑saving habits.