As the summer season has not yet begun, warning signals concerning the water resource are multiplying in the Alpes-Maritimes. Following the first water resource management committee of the year, authorities are calling for immediate vigilance in the face of a summer expected to be hotter and drier than usual.
While winter was particularly generous in rainfall and summer has not yet started, the situation of the water resource in the Alpes-Maritimes is already raising concern. Met in mid-April, the first water management committee of the year made a clear observation: vigilance must be exercised now in the face of a summer predicted to be hotter and drier than usual.
The authorities’ goal is to anticipate tensions rather than endure them by calling for an early mobilization of all users.
In recent years, there has been a strong variability in climatic conditions in the Alpes-Maritimes. After a year in 2024 marked by abundant rainfall, which allowed for a temporary respite in water resources, the situation significantly reversed as of 2025.
Indeed, the year 2025 marked the return of drought. June recorded a precipitation deficit close to 86% compared to seasonal norms, followed by a similarly deficient July at approximately 40%. At the same time, temperatures exceeded the seasonal averages by about +4 °C in June, significantly increasing evaporation and soil drying.
By the end of July 2025, the soil moisture index showed a 20 to 30% decrease compared to usual values, indicating a rapid deterioration of hydrological conditions.
A Continuing Precipitation Deficit
Despite significant rainfall in February 2026, the situation remains fragile. The precipitation deficit, which had reached significant levels by the end of 2025, has only been partially reduced.
It currently stands around -7% on average in the department, with local disparities that can reach -20%. In addition, a particularly dry April did not allow the reserves to be fully replenished.
The hydrological indicators show a mixed state of groundwater and rivers. Some areas appear more vulnerable, which could lead to restrictive measures in the coming months.
Among the most sensitive areas, some basins particularly stand out due to the rapidity of the observed degradation. Notably, this is the case for the Siagne, where the situation has been deemed concerning since the summer of 2025, with a continuous decline in flow rates.
These local vulnerabilities fit into a summer context already marked by an increase in water needs, particularly tied to the tourist influx. In this context, the strain on resources could rapidly intensify in the coming weeks.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
In light of this situation, the prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, Laurent Hottiaux, is calling for collective mobilization. He invites residents to adopt economical behaviors right now to preserve the resource. The goal is to delay, or even avoid, the implementation of more restrictive measures in the middle of summer.
Authorities remind that simple actions can make a difference: limiting watering, favoring nighttime hours, reducing unnecessary consumption, or repairing leaks.
The installation of rainwater collection systems is also encouraged, especially for outdoor use. These are all habits that, when combined, can significantly reduce the pressure on resources.
Regulation in Evolution
Additionally, a new departmental drought decree is under revision. It aims to more finely adjust alert thresholds and restrictive measures to the realities of the territory. This text is currently subject to a public consultation open until May 6, 2026, allowing citizens to participate in its development.
A new status update is expected by the end of May. Meanwhile, authorities emphasize the necessity of adopting a more restrained water management right now. In a context of climate change, these episodes tend to repeat. The ability to preserve the resource will thus largely depend on collective commitment!
