For the eighth time this year, the prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes is renewing a decree with water restrictions until December 15 because of the situation of “exceptional drought” which has affected the department since March.
“The localized rainfall since August has temporarily relieved the levels of certain superficial watercourses, but does not allow a lasting reversal of the underlying trend”, state services state in a press release. They insist on the water recharge deficit of 40 to 60% compared to normal, which is the second lowest value since 1959 and the first readings.
Areas of the department still at the “crisis” stage
Added to this is also a very low rainfall. In October, it rained 78% less than normal according to Météo-France. These data, as well as the forecasts which announce months to come “warmer than the seasonal normal”, maintain several zones (the Siagne upstream, the Wolf and the Cagne, the Roya Bévéra and coastal Menton and Esteron) of the department in “crisis” stage, the last stage at the drought level.
At this level, the use restriction measures are reinforced with a ban on night and day watering of green spaces and sports grounds, a 60% reduction in consumption and/or withdrawals for industrial uses and prohibited water games. . The prefecture recalls through its letter that regular checks are carried out and that “anyone violating the measures is liable to a fine” of 1,500 euros.