Announced on August 14 by the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture, an action plan is being implemented regarding the use of water. We summarize what has come into effect.
In response to the ongoing heatwave in the Alpes-Maritimes, the prefecture has enacted a drought action plan this Thursday, August 14. The stated goal: to address the water shortage situation due to lack of rainfall in the department. Currently, 30 municipalities are on heightened alert, and 15 others are on alert status.
All water uses, from the public water supply to individual, agricultural, and industrial uses, are affected by these measures. The public administration’s priority is to ensure the supply of drinking water, the watering of animals, and a minimum flow of watercourses. The administrative act provides for the division into 13 geographical zones, including Artuby, Loup, Cagne, Brague, Estéron, Var, Paillon, Roya, and Siagne, according to their characteristics.
A rise in temperatures
“According to the latest report from Météo France, temperatures have generally been high since autumn 2024. Starting in October, the average temperatures have been higher than the past thirty years,” assures Guillaume Chaffardon, head of the Water, Agriculture, Forest, and Natural Resources department. From September 2024 to July 2025, except for September, the average temperature increased by +4 °C.
According to the public administration, temperature plays a crucial role in preserving adequate water levels and reducing evaporation and evapotranspiration phenomena (amount of water that evaporates from the ground, ed.).
The department lacking precipitation
At the departmental level, Météo France reveals a rainfall increase of about 1176 mm compared to an expected normal of 1057. However, river rain measurements are at a deficit of 86% in June 2025, according to the prefecture. As for July 2025, it is at a deficit of nearly 40%. According to our information, the soil moisture index on August 5, 2025, shows decreases of 20 to 30%. “Today, we are observing a decrease in flow across all territories, but there is an extremely concerning situation upstream of the Siagne, measured since June,” warns Guillaume Chaffardon. According to him, since June 1st, the Siagne has lost almost 90% of its flow. From 3,500 to about 500 liters per second, the Siagne is reducing its flow by 60% every 30 days.
Recap of measures for different alert stages
Depending on whether you are an individual or a professional, the restrictions vary from individual to professional. At the alert stage, it is forbidden to water lawns, flower beds, green spaces, vegetable gardens, and water games from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Filling and emptying of non-communal swimming pools is illegal, but topping them up is not.
In the same alert status, it is forbidden for professionals to irrigate using gravity systems from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is also a 20% reduction in water usage expenses and fees. Finally, golf courses are not allowed to be watered from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information on water restriction measures, visit VigiEau.
