Pollution: water restrictions in 50 municipalities in Finistère

The prefecture of Finistère recommended Wednesday evening not to drink tap water in 50 municipalities of the department due to pollution of the Aulne, Breton coastal river, according to a press release. The origin of the pollution and the number of inhabitants affected by these water restrictions were not specified by the prefecture, which was unreachable on Wednesday evening.

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This pollution " widespread in the environment " and which " continues to reach the Aulne " at the level of Châteaulin generates " ammonia concentrations " which led to shutting down the Coatigrac'h drinking water plant in the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, depending on the prefecture. " An adaptation of the treatment system has been tested by the operator but has not yet made it possible to restore conformity of the water produced ", it is specified.

Referring to a “ degraded ” water quality , the prefecture recommends “ not to use tap water for drinking and washing vegetables and fruits consumed raw ”. " However, it can be used for sanitary purposes and for cooking food, " according to the same source. " The mixed union of Aulne and the operator may be required to provide for the delivery of water bottles to the population concerned ", adds the prefecture.

Among the municipalities concerned are Châteaulin (5,774 inhabitants), Quimper (63,000 inhabitants) and the very touristic peninsula of Crozon.