Morbihan, France Declares Drought Crisis in Ellé Basin

Since the start of 2026 the Morbihan department has faced a severe water deficit, with rainfall only 58% of normal and a 34% shortfall since March. Repeated heat waves have lowered river flows, leaving the Ellé basin in a declared crisis.

Prefect Mickaël Galy announced that most of the department’s water‑management zones are under a reinforced drought alert, and the Ellé sector is subject to special crisis measures. Restrictions include a 25 % cut in industrial water withdrawals, a ban on agricultural irrigation from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and prohibitions on watering sports fields, lawns, gardens and golf courses. Residents are urged to reduce personal consumption.

A meeting on 4 August gathered local officials, farmers and industry representatives to review the situation. The prefect warned that no significant rain is expected before 17 August and highlighted the historic severity of the current drought, comparable to the worst years of the past eight decades.