TAll departments in mainland France are subject to at least drought vigilance. Four levels of limitation existdepending on the intensity of the drought episode: vigilance, alert, heightened alert and crisis.
To cope with a lack of water, measures can be taken to limit the uses of water, or even suspend them in certain cases. Currently, 93 departments are affected by a restriction which goes beyond vigilance: three on alert, 23 on heightened alert and 67 in crisis, knowing that the application of restrictions can sometimes be done on a smaller scale, depending on the water supply basins.
The situation with us
With us, since May 12, the department of the North subject to progressive drought measures. These measures are in place until September 15. the Yser basin changed status on July 29. He was placed at the highest level of “crisis”. The downstream Scarpe basin placed on heightened alert. The basins of the Sambre and the Delta of the Aa remain on alert. The rest of the department remains on alert.
In order to anticipate any further degradation of the waterways in the Lys, Marque, Deûle, Scarpe upstream, Sensée and Escaut basins, all users are called upon to reduce their consumption of drinking water as well as their withdrawals from the environment. natural so as not to harm the resource.
In Pas-de-Calaisthe coastal watersheds of the Boulonnais, the Audomarois and Aa Delta watersheds in a drought alert situation. The catchment areas of the Lys, the Marque and the Deûle remain in a state of drought vigilance. The watersheds of the Canche, Authie, upstream Scarpe, Sensée and Scheldt are not, for the moment, the subject of any measure, all users being nevertheless called upon to save water. ‘water.
Which restrictions for which level?
– Water your plants and your garden
If your department is concerned by the “alert” level, it is forbidden to water lawns, public and private green spaces, pleasure gardens, vegetable gardens and sports areas of any kind from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If he is on “higher alert”, prohibition of watering lawns, green spaces, pleasure gardens, planters and flower beds, public and private, sports areas of any kind, but authorization to watering of vegetable gardens and plantations of young trees from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
In “crisis”, ban on watering lawns, green spaces, pleasure gardens, planters and flower beds, public and private, sports areas of any kind and ban on watering vegetable gardens unless it is made from a rainwater harvesting device.
– Limit drinking water consumption (shower, dishes, etc.)
The government’s only recommendation is to avoid letting the water run.
– The swimming pool
At “alert” thresholds, prohibition of the filling of private pools for family use greater than 20 m³. In “enhanced alert”, prohibition of the filling of private swimming pools for family use. On the threshold of a “crisis”, it is forbidden to fill and drain your swimming pool.
From the “enhanced alert” threshold, prohibition of the filling of ponds, bodies of water and leisure pools.
– Wash your vehicle
Car washing at your home is prohibited for all alert levels. From the “alert” threshold, ban on the use of water for washing vehicles outside professional stations, except for vehicles with a regulatory obligation.
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