The prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, Laurent Hottiaux, announced this Tuesday, July 29, the transition of 40 municipalities to drought alert and five others to reinforced alert. Despite generally adequate rainfall for the year, the recent decline in flow rates and persistent heat have led to the adoption of certain restrictive measures.
Rainfall recorded between September 2024 and March 2025 had raised hopes for a return to normal after two years of severe drought. Even Mรฉtรฉo-France indicated a rainfall accumulation slightly above the annual average. But the situation quickly deteriorated as summer approached.
June 2025 was particularly dry, with a deficit close to 86% compared to forecasts. July is also showing a significant decline, around 40%. At the same time, temperatures have remained above seasonal norms. In June, temperatures were +4ยฐC above “the norm.” These conditions have intensified evaporation and soil drying phenomena.
As of July 21, the soil moisture index in the department was 20 to 30% below the median. River flow rates, especially along the coast, are decreasing. The situation is different in the Haut-Pays, where water reserves remain stable thanks to rainfall and snowmelt.
In this context, the water resources committee met on July 25. Chaired by Patrick Amoussou-Adรฉblรฉ, secretary general of the prefecture, the committee proposed restrictive measures approved by the prefect of Alpes-Maritimes Laurent Hottiaux.
Measures Tailored to Specific Areas
As a result, forty municipalities distributed across four catchment areas are entering drought alert. This includes cities like Grasse, Cannes, Mougins, and Antibes. Five municipalities, including Cagnes-sur-Mer, Vence, and Saint-Paul de Vence, are moving to a reinforced alert stage.
The other catchment areas in the department remain under simple vigilance.
When in drought alert, several restrictions apply. Individuals can no longer water their gardens, lawns, or vegetable patches between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.. The filling of private swimming pools is prohibited, except for maintaining the level. Water games are banned. Fountains must be turned off unless they operate in a closed circuit or are controlled by a push button.
Car wash centers must limit their programs, unless they have an effective recycling system. Washing of watercraft is prohibited, except for professionals equipped with suitable equipment.
For farmers and professionals, gravity irrigation is prohibited from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a 20% reduction in consumption. Golf courses are also affected with similar limitations.
In a reinforced alert, restrictions intensify. Watering green spaces is prohibited, except for young trees or shrubs under three years old, with limited hours. Beach showers must be closed, except those located on accessible beaches.
Call for Collective Responsibility
The prefecture reminds that checks will be conducted in the field to ensure compliance with these rules. The Departmental Directorate of Territories and the Sea continues to implement the action plan resulting from the January 2023 Water Assizes.
The prefect calls for broad mobilization. “Since the start of the summer season in 2025, the new increase in withdrawals and consumption has put pressure on water resources. I call on all people from the Maritime Alps, individuals and professionals, as well as tourists to demonstrate civic-mindedness and sobriety in their use of water to reconcile everyone’s needs while preserving our resources and aquatic environments.”
Authorities also remind that everyone can contribute to limiting consumption. Practical advice is available on the VigiEau website.
