Drought in the Alpes-Maritimes: 110 municipalities subject to water restrictions

The Alpes-Maritimes prefecture is strengthening measures in response to declining water resources. Since Friday, October 2, 110 municipalities are affected by restrictions, including 43 placed in crisis situations.

Drought continues in the Alpes-Maritimes. Following the water resources committee meeting on September 29, new restriction measures were implemented in the department. Since Friday, October 2, 21 municipalities are placed on alert, 46 on heightened alert, and 43 in crisis. Other municipalities remain at the vigilance level, in effect since June 1, 2026.

The classification depends on the state of resources across different watersheds. Several sectors of the department are now affected by limitations concerning notably watering, pool filling, or vehicle washing.

Different restrictions depending on municipalities

In municipalities classified on alert, washing cars at home and filling individual pools are prohibited. Watering green spaces, flower beds, vegetable gardens, and golf courses is also regulated, with a prohibition between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

The heightened alert level concerns 46 municipalities. Restrictions are then extended. Washing cars at home and filling individual pools are prohibited. Watering green spaces and flower beds is also prohibited. For golf courses, a 60% reduction in water volumes is planned, with watering authorized only at night.

The crisis level, which affects 43 municipalities, provides for additional measures. Filling individual pools and washing cars at home are prohibited. Watering vegetable gardens and green spaces is also prohibited, with certain exceptions provided for in the measures in effect. Car wash centers without a recycling system must close. Watering golf courses is prohibited, except under the conditions provided for in the decree.

A precipitation deficit of 10.5%

The decision comes as indicators monitored in the department remain unfavorable. Since the beginning of the 2025-2026 hydrological year, the Alpes-Maritimes has recorded a precipitation deficit of 10.5% compared to normal levels.

The situation is also marked by a particularly dry month of September . As of September 23, only 11.2 mm of precipitation had been recorded at the departmental level, representing a deficit of 89% for the month.

Temperatures have also affected the situation. An anomaly of +3.4°C compared to seasonal norms was recorded in September. This situation favors evapotranspiration and contributes to maintaining pressure on water resources.

Water tables remain under surveillance. As of September 23, 77% of the piezometers monitored show levels below average. Half even display a level classified as “very low” compared to the average.

Since the beginning of the inspection campaign, 153 inspections have been carried out in the Alpes-Maritimes. According to the report presented by the prefecture, 63% revealed non-compliance with regulations and resulted in legal proceedings.