Manche authorities hold water management summit following severe drought

Following a summer of severe heatwaves and prolonged drought in 2026, authorities in the Manche department of France held the first 'Assises de l’eau' in Saint-Lô. The meeting brought together over 300 participants, including public officials, agricultural and industrial stakeholders, and scientific experts, to address the fragility of local water resources.

Approximately 60 million cubic meters of water are extracted annually in the department. While 60% of drinking water comes from groundwater, 40% is drawn directly from rivers, making regions such as Granvillais, Avranchin, and Saint-Lô particularly vulnerable during dry periods. Current restrictions remain in place as the department faces a lack of significant rainfall.

To prepare for future challenges, the Syndicat départemental de l’eau (SDEAU) and the Cotentin agglomeration community have launched a major study supported by the Agence de l’eau Seine-Normandie. This scientific assessment aims to project river flow decreases through 2050 to establish sustainable extraction limits that protect aquatic biodiversity. The results, expected within 18 months, will guide future water sobriety policies and extraction authorizations.