Drought in France: water restrictions in 11 departments
Summery temperatures, lack of water, parched earth… Since the beginning of the year rain has become scarce in northern and southwest France whereas southeastern areas have more than enough water. Usually winter and the beginning of spring are known for their heavy amount of rainfall which means ground-water levels remain healthy, but for some years now and particularly this year, rainfall has been too light and the drought is threatening two thirds of France’s ground-waters.
11 departments are affected by water restrictions:
These 11 departments are the Charente (16), the Seine et Marne (77) and the Val de Marne (94) in first position; the Charente-Maritime (17), the Vendee (85), the Deux Sevres (79) and the Nievre (58) in second position and the Cher (18), and the Vienne (86) in last position. In these departments the level of watercourses has reached similar levels as usually observed in late June, this is why the government has imposed water restrictions and inhabitants are requested to save water. (Some of these regions were already affected by water restrictions last year).
Also, as it has not rained enough since November 2010 in the Aveyron, this region of Midi-Pyrenees is also affected by the drought and inhabitants are advised to save water (but there is no legal restriction for the moment). Finally, since May 3rd the Indre and Isere are also affected by water restrictions.
In addition to the lack of water, the numerous sunny days and hot temperatures have meant that crops have flourished early; this phenomenon increases water consumption by using the water supplies usually needed in summer.
Farmers and specialists say that if the drought continues it will have important consequences on farm production and on the cost of raw materials. However many newspapers have been reassuring French people and explaining that we cannot foresee the next few months. Besides, a lack of water in April has already been observed in 1975, 1997 or 2007 for example and everything went back to the normal, so there is no real reason to be worried for the moment.