Sarthe water restrictions ease in some areas but remain strict in others

Water restrictions in the Sarthe department of France are beginning to ease following recent rainfall and the conclusion of the agricultural irrigation season. Several river basins, including the Dué-Narais, Loir, and lower Sarthe, have returned to normal status with no specific restrictions.

Despite this improvement, the situation remains fragile due to a prolonged four-month dry period and low river flow rates. The Prefect of Sarthe has maintained crisis-level restrictions in five basins, including the tributaries of the middle Sarthe and the Argance. In these areas, agricultural irrigation is prohibited without exemption, and the washing of roads, facades, and vehicles is banned. Additionally, industries, nurseries, and artisanal businesses must reduce their daily water consumption by 25%.

Four other basins remain under an enhanced alert level, including the Gée and upper Sarthe sectors.