The prefecture of Loire-Atlantique on Monday raised the alert threshold of the department, affected by the drought that leads the Loire basin to an "extremely low" level, while a new epic event across France this week. "Almost the entire department, except his heart, is in crisis," said Baptiste Mandard, sub-prefect of Loire-Atlantique, adding that a new and third order of water restrictions had been taken.
"It's the third worst year of the last 150 years"
For this river, "this is the third worst year of the last 150 years", just behind 1870 and 1949, but at the same level as 1976 at this stage, said Annick Bonneville, Regional Director of the (DREAL) Pays de la Loire. The absence of rain coupled with high temperatures creates increased drought in the Loire basin and its catchment areas, especially in the north and south of the department, placed in crisis, the highest level of vigilance defined by the State said the prefecture.
A basin located at the extreme north-east of the department has been placed in enhanced alert. The estuary of the Loire, and the lands that adjoin it, are on their alert. "There is careful monitoring" but "no warning on the production of drinking water" from the river, which accounts for two thirds of the water consumed by the population of the department, said Regis Lecoq, responsible for Regional Health Agency. Among the new water restrictions decided, is the prohibition to water his garden, wash his vehicle or fill his pool. Golf managers, industrialists, communities and farmers must also limit their use of water.
Nantes wants to reduce its usual water consumption by 40% per day
The City of Nantes has announced that it will reduce its usual water consumption by "40% per day", stating that these restrictions concern, in particular, the cleaning of urban areas and the watering of parks and gardens. Failure to comply with these measures can be punished by fines ranging from 1,500 euros to 3,000 euros, said the prefecture, which calls for "civility" and vigilance of each. Prefectural decrees concerning this exceptional drought run in the five departments of Pays de la Loire, including the Vendée also placed in crisis.