Users, farmers, industrialists, public services… Everyone must monitor their water consumption.

Worried about the drought affecting France, water companies called on Monday for "sobriety".

While 35 departments are already subject to usage restrictions, the lack of water could threaten a large part of the national territory by the end of the summer, with some groundwater already in a worrying state (in Provence -Alpes-Côte-d'Azur, Bas-Dauphiné, Vendée, Charentes, Maine, Touraine, etc.), highlights the Professional Federation of Water Companies (FP2E), which distribute drinking water to 60% of French people.

Tank truck supply

The association recalls the situation in the summer of 2019, during which 88 departments were subject to restrictions and certain rural municipalities supplied by tank trucks.

"Not reliving these problematic situations for the population and for economic activities means anticipating", underlines the FP2E, which brings together the private companies managing these markets after competition (Saur, Suez, Veolia, etc.)

From the State and local authorities, they are calling for "proactive water policy planning, commensurate with the new climate situation".

In particular, they advocate the establishment of interconnections, where the fragility of one catchment can be compensated by another, and the strengthening of the digitalization of services (detection of leaks before and after meters, seasonal tariff structures).

Severe heat coming

The FP2E also recommends accelerating the implementation of "nature-based solutions" (preserving wetlands, removing waterproofing), the effectiveness of which is expected in the long term, combined with more technological solutions (refilling , reuse of treated wastewater, etc.)

Already, in services equipped with remote readings, seasonal tariff structures can be implemented, on the decision of each local authority, to encourage responsible consumption in times of crisis, these professionals suggest.

An episode of very strong heat is expected this week after a particularly hot and dry spring, which has already caused drought in the soil in a large part of France, raising fears for crops.

Company

Weather: An "early" heat wave will sweep the South on Wednesday

Planet

Brittany: Struck by drought, will the island of Groix have to import water from the continent?

  • Planet

  • Drought

  • Water

  • Heat

  • Global warming