Drought in France: 98 departments under heightened water monitoring

Paris – 19/07/2026: The drought situation has worsened nationwide in France. According to the government platform VigiEau, 98 departments are affected by official water monitoring or usage restrictions. The figure includes areas with different warning levels. In many regions, binding rules already apply to private, agricultural and commercial water withdrawals.

On 13 July, the Ministry for Ecological Transition stated that 97 departments had introduced restrictions on water consumption, including 41 at the highest crisis level. The further rise in the number over a short period shows how quickly the hydrological situation has deteriorated over the course of the summer. Local prefectures decide on the specific rules and adjust them to conditions in their catchment areas.

The Massif Central, which plays an important role for numerous rivers and water reserves, has been particularly hard hit. There, low rainfall, high temperatures and strong evaporation increased the strain early in the summer. The ministry instructed prefects to convene regional water committees, review developments weekly and quickly impose further measures when thresholds are exceeded.

Depending on the area, restrictions may affect the watering of gardens and green spaces, filling swimming pools, washing vehicles or agricultural irrigation. Priority rules apply to drinking water and essential needs. Households and businesses must comply with the applicable prefectural orders, which may vary depending on the municipality, river basin and withdrawal point.

The drought follows an exceptionally low-rainfall June. According to the national hydrological status report, rainfall during the month was around 45 percent below the long-term average. On 9 July, 54 percent of monitored groundwater levels were below the seasonal norm. Many rivers are carrying significantly less water, while soils are severely dried out across large parts of the country.

Repeated heatwaves have placed additional strain on water resources. At the end of June, Météo-France recorded widespread soil dryness nationwide, which in parts of the country had already reached levels comparable to the dry summers of 2022 and 2025. High temperatures accelerate evaporation while also increasing water demand from agriculture, municipalities and households.

The drought is also increasing the risk of vegetation and forest fires. At the beginning of July, Météo-France identified a high to very high wildfire risk in 54 departments. Authorities are therefore linking water restrictions with enhanced fire prevention measures. In the coming weeks, the key question will be whether substantial rainfall can provide noticeable relief to rivers, soils and groundwater reserves.