France is facing a severe drought crisis, enforcing water use restrictions across nearly 70% of the country amid ongoing heatwaves, while groundwater sources, a key supply for drinking water, are below normal levels.
The French Ministry for Ecological Transition revealed that the drought situation is worsening after France experienced multiple heatwaves over the past three months, causing record-breaking temperatures, thousands of excess deaths, and fueling large wildfires in several areas.
Authorities stated that currently nearly 70% of France is under water usage restrictions, with data from 9 August showing that 67 out of 101 administrative regions are at the highest alert or crisis level.
Areas under the highest alert must conserve water for essential uses such as medical care, disaster prevention and response, drinking water, and sanitation systems.
Regions at lower alert levels face additional restrictions on water use for activities like garden and green space watering, filling swimming pools, car washing, and agricultural water use.
Even Paris is subject to water alert measures amid concerns that the drought could worsen if rainfall continues below normal levels.
Another worrying sign is that groundwater, which supplies two-thirds of France's drinking water, is below normal levels.
The French Geological Survey (BRGM) noted that while groundwater levels typically drop during summer, this year’s decline is especially severe due to July's below-average rainfall and increased water demand, especially from agriculture and tourism.
According to Météo-France, July 2026 was the hottest July ever recorded in France and the third driest July, with nationwide rainfall nearly 70% below average.
The water crisis is now directly affecting the population. On 27 July, French Ecology Minister Monique Barbout announced that drinking water supplies in many areas are under strain, with over 30,000 people affected by tap water shortages.
Residents in some areas must rely on water trucks and bottled water deliveries to meet their daily consumption needs.
The French government plans to hold a drought crisis meeting this Wednesday as the country faces a new heatwave, while many parts of Europe continue to suffer from intense heat.
Météo-France warned that southeastern France will experience temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius early in the week, with heat spreading to other regions throughout the week.
This situation presents a major challenge for France in managing water resources amid intense heat and worsening drought conditions linked to climate change.
:Sourcechannelnewsasia
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