Severe Drought Measures Implemented in Corrèze and Saône-et-Loire
Authorities in Corrèze and Saône-et-Loire implement stringent water restrictions amid escalating drought conditions.
Key Points
- • Drought indicators worsen in Corrèze, prompting alerts and local restrictions on water use.
- • Saône-et-Loire sees significant reductions in river flow, triggering strict prohibitions on garden watering and pool filling.
- • Local prefects emphasize the need for water conservation and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
In response to worsening drought conditions, authorities in the Corrèze and Saône-et-Loire departments of France have implemented strict water usage restrictions as of July 11, 2025. The ongoing hot and dry weather continues to push drought indicators deeper into crisis, leading local prefects to take decisive action to preserve water resources.
In Corrèze, the prefect, Vincent Berton, has declared various areas under different levels of water restrictions. Notably, the 'Vézère Cristalline Amont' region remains at an 'alert' status, while the 'Vienne amont' and 'Dordogne des grands barrages aval rive gauche' have moved to 'reinforced alert'. The local government reported significant drops in river flows that endanger aquatic life, thus necessitating these measures. Per the issued guidelines, outdoor watering, particularly gardens and sports fields, is prohibited during certain hours, and industries are encouraged to delay non-essential water use. Local authorities are also instructed to keep the Regional Health Agency informed about any drinking water supply challenges they may face (Source ID: 11917).
Meanwhile, in Saône-et-Loire, there has been a notable reduction in river flow levels, attributed to high temperatures and low rainfall. An emergency meeting of the water resource committee led to a new drought decree that escalates restrictions across three-quarters of the department to 'alert' or 'reinforced alert' status. Key measures include the prohibition of garden watering and private pool filling, except under specific conditions. Limits on irrigation practices have also been established, with designated watering hours being reduced significantly. The prefect has urged residents to adapt their water usage habits to help alleviate the impact of the drought (Source ID: 11919).
Both prefects emphasize the importance of daily water conservation efforts and have provided platforms for the public to stay informed regarding ongoing restrictions, such as the VigiEau platform in Saône-et-Loire, which sends email alerts about changes in water usage rules. As dry conditions are expected to persist, further measures may be likely if water resources continue to dwindle.