Ardèche Enacts Strict Water Restrictions Amid Severe Drought
Severe water restrictions announced in Ardèche due to a drought and ongoing heatwave.
Key Points
- • Ardèche facing extreme heat over 35°C, reaching 39°C in some areas.
- • New decree reinforces water restrictions following declining water levels.
- • River basins categorized under varying levels of alert for water conservation.
- • Specific rules include limits on lawn watering, pool filling bans, and vehicle washing restrictions.
The Ardèche department in France is battling a significant drought coupled with a severe heatwave, prompting the prefect to issue enhanced water usage restrictions. As of June 30, 2025, temperatures in the region have soared beyond 35°C, with peaks reaching up to 39°C in southern areas. In response, a new decree has been implemented emphasizing an urgent need for conservation due to the rapid drop in water levels, particularly in local rivers.
The prefecture outlined varied alert levels across several river basins: the Ouvèze-Payre and Eyrieux are under "reinforced alert", while the Cance basin is classified as "alert". The Doux-Ay and Beaume-Chassezac basins also remain under "alert" status. To manage the acute water shortage, specific restrictions include limited lawn watering allowed only on particular days and times, restrictions on filling swimming pools (permitted only for new constructions under strict conditions), and a ban on washing vehicles unless at facilities that recycle water.
These new measures are deemed crucial as the region continues to face adverse climatic challenges, including a dry Mediterranean environment that affects water storage capacities. The local authorities strongly urge residents to comply with these restrictions to safeguard the dwindling water resources, reflecting the critical situation at hand.