Corse-du-Sud Declared in Drought Vigilance Amid Record Water Consumption

The prefect of Corsica has declared a drought vigilance status for the Corse-du-Sud department as of May 2026 due to rising concerns over water consumption despite a promising recharge season. From September 2025 to March 2026, precipitation was above average at 118%, and reservoir stocks were nearly full at 99% as of May 11. However, April brought dry and warm conditions stressing rivers and aquifers.

Since April, potable water usage in the region has reached record highs, surpassing previous levels observed in 2025. This surge in water consumption is considered unsustainable, raising fears of a crisis akin to the one faced last autumn and winter in the Extreme South of the island. Consequently, authorities have called on all water users—including residents, professionals, and local government—to limit non-essential water use such as watering non-agricultural green spaces, washing vehicles and boats, and filling swimming pools.

A monitoring committee involving relevant stakeholders will reconvene on June 5 to evaluate the situation. The aim is to prevent water shortages and implement restrictions if consumption does not decrease. The prefect underscored the importance of adopting responsible water habits to safeguard the region’s ecosystems and water supplies as the dry and hot trend persists into summer.