Drought alert triggered for the waterways of the Rhône and the Lyon metropolitan area

In a press release issued this Monday, the Rhône prefecture indicated that all waterways in the Rhône and the Lyon metropolitan area are now on drought alert.

" The lack of precipitation since mid-July and the current high temperatures have contributed to the drying up of watercourses ," state the government services. For the time being, " groundwater levels, excluding the Saône, are still satisfactory ," but weather forecasts do not suggest that seasonal flows will be maintained.

The Saône axis, already on alert since July 8, also remains on alert. The Rhône's move to alert implies restrictive measures, including limiting the watering of green spaces and stopping vehicle washes at private homes.

Prohibitions :

• of any withdrawal from watercourses and accompanying water tables for domestic uses

• watering of public or private green spaces and flower beds during the day (prohibited from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the department / from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Saône axis)

• watering domestic vegetable gardens during the day (prohibited from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the department / from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Saône axis)
• watering public or private sports areas (prohibited from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the department / from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Saône axis)
• irrigation of crops other than market gardening and economical irrigation systems (from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the department and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Saône axis)
• first filling of private swimming pools (unless work started before the alert)
• private vehicle washing at home
• washing of facades and roofs, excluding high-pressure equipment
• washing of roads and private paths, except for health or safety reasons
• of operation of open circuit fountains