The latest drought toll is alarming. This Tuesday, August 9, 2022, 93 metropolitan departments (out of 96) are involved due to water restrictions. But what does that mean in concrete terms? What is currently allowed and prohibited in France? We make an inventory with you.
Water restrictions: what is allowed (or not)?
The government has just updated its map with the maximum gravity level limiting the French department’s use of water. And the least we can say is that the situation is extremely worrying. Measures have been taken in France to save water, this precious resource on earth. A total of 93 departments are affected by the drought plan.
Alert departments
Do you live in one of the three wards that are currently supervised? So you’re one of the lucky few who isn’t subject to no restrictions. However, this is no reason to waste water. In times of drought, do not wash your car, reduce watering your plants, take a shower instead of a bath, etc. In short, use your common sense!
Departments on alert
In between you can water your garden 7 p.m. and 10 a.m.. After this window, this practice will be banned. Golf courses, in turn, enjoy an exemption allowing them to spray between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. As for washing your car, the roof and facades, this is strictly prohibited in the standby services.
Departments on increased alertness and crisis
You live on heightened alertness and in crisis situations the situation is alarming. Therefore it is forbidden to water your garden or your farmland… and this, whether you are an individual, a company or a community. Same restriction for sports grounds that do not host national or international training or competition. However, your plants can be planted at night, between 9 am and 8 am.
Washing the car is prohibited for both individuals and professionals (wash stations must therefore be closed). You are also not authorized to fill or empty your pools of more than 1 m³. The same applies to cleaning roofs and facades.
What are the sanctions?
Are you tempted to water your land, wash your car or fill your ponds despite water restrictions? Please note that many checks are carried out by an environmental police managed by the French Biodiversity Office (OFB). If you are a private individual and you are caught in the act, you risk a fine of €1,500. For professionals and communities, this amount is: €7,500.
Let’s all be responsible for the well-being of the planet (and our wallets)!