France imposes water restrictions as record heat and drought worsen

France has placed nearly 70% of its territory under water-use restrictions as successive heatwaves and severe drought continue to strain supplies. The measures were confirmed on Monday, with 67 of the country's 101 departments at the highest crisis alert. The restrictions cover much of mainland France, including Paris, as authorities respond to worsening conditions.

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The Ministry for Ecological Transition said the country is facing a particularly severe drought and that climate change is increasing pressure on water resources. It said nearly 70% of French territory is subject to restrictions on water use. At the highest alert level, water is reserved for priority needs such as healthcare, civil protection, drinking water and sanitation.

Lower alert levels still limit activities including watering gardens and green spaces, filling swimming pools, washing cars and irrigating crops. The Bureau of Geological and Mining Research said two-thirds of the aquifers that supply most of France's drinking water are below normal levels. It said groundwater drawdown is especially pronounced this year because of a shortfall in effective rainfall in July and higher water demand for agriculture and tourism.

The agency's assessment adds to concern over the scale of the drought, which has developed after several months of extreme heat. The restrictions come after a series of heatwaves over the past three months that have broken temperature records, caused thousands of excess deaths and fuelled major wildfires. July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in France and the third driest July in terms of rainfall, with a nationwide precipitation deficit of nearly 70%, according to the national weather service.

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Another heatwave is expected to spread across the country this week, raising the risk of further pressure on water supplies. The situation matters because France is one of several European countries facing the combined effects of extreme heat, drought and falling groundwater reserves. Water restrictions can affect households, farmers, local authorities and businesses, particularly in areas already under stress from high temperatures and low rainfall.

The current measures also highlight how quickly water management has become a national issue during repeated summer heat events. What remains unclear is how long the highest alert levels will stay in place and whether the next heatwave will force further restrictions. Officials have not indicated any immediate easing, and the outlook will depend on rainfall, temperatures and water demand in the coming days.

The key question now is whether the current measures will be enough to protect drinking water supplies and essential services if dry conditions continue.

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