France drought puts nearly 70% under water curbs

Nearly 70 percent of France is under water-use restrictions as drought worsens during successive heatwaves, the government said on Monday.

As of August 9, most of mainland France, including Paris, was under at least the first water warning level. Sixty-seven of the country's 101 departments were under the highest crisis alert.

In areas on the highest alert, water is reserved for priority uses including healthcare, civil protection, drinking water and sanitation. Lower alert levels restrict activities such as watering gardens and green spaces, filling swimming pools, washing cars and irrigating crops.

The Bureau of Geological and Mining Research said two thirds of the aquifers that provide most of France's drinking water had fallen below normal levels. It said the drop was linked to a shortfall in effective rainfall in July and higher water demand, especially for agriculture and tourism.

Meteo-France said July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in France and the third driest July for precipitation, with a nationwide rainfall deficit of nearly 70 percent.

Ecology minister Monique Barbut said on July 27 that drinking water supplies were under strain in several areas and that tap water cuts were already affecting more than 30,000 people. She is due to convene a drought crisis meeting on Wednesday, as another heatwave affects France and other parts of Europe.