France intensifies drought water restrictions as rivers run low

Prefectures across France have stepped up drought‑related water‑use restrictions amid falling river flows and an approaching fourth summer heatwave. In the Nord and Pas‑de‑Calais, measures were reinforced on 25 July, placing several river basins in alert or alert‑reinforced status. The Gers prefecture upgraded the Adour basin to alert‑reinforced for drinking‑water supplies, while Saône‑et‑Loire officials declared multiple sectors in crisis or alert after persistent low water levels. Alpes‑Maritimes extended restrictions to 43 communes, including bans on garden watering, car washing at home and private‑pool filling in the most affected areas. Similar tightening occurred in the Gouesnière commune and the Saône‑et‑Loire department. Concurrently, hunters in Aude created 86 new water points to support wildlife under the Trame Verte et Bleue project, addressing the same water scarcity. Meteorological forecasts warn the heatwave will persist into August, with temperatures above 35 °C in many regions, worsening the drought conditions.