French prefectures tighten water‑use restrictions amid severe drought

Prefectures across France have issued new orders to curb water consumption as an extended heatwave and lack of rain drive river flows to critically low levels. In Saône‑et‑Loire, Vendée, Loir‑et‑Cher, Indre‑et‑Loire, Alpes‑Maritimes, Finistère, Gard, Loire‑Atlantique and Manche, restrictions range from bans on non‑essential outdoor watering, filling private pools and washing cars at home to tighter limits on agricultural irrigation. Several zones are classified as “crisis” or “alert‑reinforced”, with penalties of up to €1,500 for individuals and €7,500 for companies.

Swiss cantons including the Zürichsee‑Linth region, Solothurn and the Jura have also called for voluntary water‑saving measures, urging residents to limit garden watering, pool filling and vehicle washing. Authorities stress that the measures remain in force until water levels improve and provide online maps for citizens to check local restrictions.

The coordinated response aims to protect drinking‑water supplies, preserve river ecosystems and avoid supply interruptions during the ongoing drought episode.