This Wednesday, August 18, the prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes triggered a “drought alert” for 18 municipalities in the department.
Despite the end of the heatwave yesterday morning, the drought is still causing significant damage in the Alpes-Maritimes. Many municipalities are affected by this phenomenon, in particular eighteen, which are:
Bar-sur-Loup, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Caussols, Châteauneuf-de-Grasse, Cipières, La Colle-sur-Loup, Courmes, Gourdon, Gréolières, Opio, Roquefort-les-Pins, Le Rouret, Saint-Jeannet, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Valbonne, Vence, Villeneuve-Loubet.
In all these municipalities, the Prefecture has issued an order regulating the consumption and use of water, effective immediately and until August 31.
It is now prohibited to water gardens, lawns, green spaces, sports fields, and golf courses between 9 AM and 7 PM.
Washing vehicles, both automotive and nautical, is also prohibited (except for water-efficient professional stations and vehicles with a regulatory or technical obligation).
Filling private swimming pools and spas is also prohibited. As for public swimming pools, they can only be filled with the mayor’s authorization.
Fountains must all be closed unless they operate in a closed circuit.
Agricultural and industrial uses are also reduced with specific restrictions.
These exceptional measures, taken by the prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes, aim to preserve the water resources of natural environments and groundwater. In the event of non-compliance with the order, any person is subject to a 5th class fine (up to €1,500) and administrative proceedings initiated by the State services.
