Rhône placed on drought alert: first water restrictions

By decree of July 8, Rhône Prefect Fabienne Buccio placed all surface water resources in the department and the metropolitan area on drought alert, and the Saône axis on alert.

After satisfactory rainfall in autumn and winter, " the lack of significant precipitation, combined with high temperatures in June ," has worsened the hydrological situation, state services indicate. The Saône is particularly affected, experiencing these conditions " from its source in the Vosges ."

" Due to the dry months of May and June and the summer period, groundwater tables are falling sharply in the region. Levels remain acceptable for the moment in the south-east of the Rhône but are low elsewhere ," meteorologist Romain Weber reported on X.

According to the prefecture, weather forecasts do not suggest any short-term improvement. The alert level on the Saône axis results in restrictions: a ban on watering public and private green spaces and domestic vegetable gardens from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on washing vehicles at home. The initial filling of private swimming pools is also prohibited.

The prefect " calls on citizens to be very vigilant about the use of our water resources ." Agents from the French Office for Biodiversity are being deployed to monitor compliance with the measures, with fines of up to €1,500 for individuals. If the situation does not improve, additional measures may be taken to " guarantee priority uses for health, civil security, and drinking water supply ."