Drought: restrictions on water use in the Vosges and part of the Meuse

The Vosges department and part of the Meuse have been placed on drought alert due to a " rainfall deficit " and measures to restrict the use of water have been taken, announced this Friday, July 24, two prefectures.

Read also: The Bas-Rhin in turn placed on drought alert

In the Vosges, " the global pluviometric deficit which persists has led to a general drop in the flow rates of all the rivers in the watersheds of the Meuse, Moselle and Saône " and " a fairly significant drying out of the soils. on the surface than, gradually, in depth, ”he explained in a press release. " Even if significant precipitation occurred in the weeks to come, which Météo-France does not confirm, it would not allow the accumulated deficit to be quickly filled ," warns the prefecture.

In the wake of the Bas-Rhin, Moselle and Meurthe-et-Moselle

In the Meuse department, “ five basins ” were placed “ in a situation of alert and enhanced alert ”. " A rainfall deficit observed since the spring has led to a general drop in the flow rates of all rivers and has direct effects on the state of surface water resources, " the prefecture announced in a press release. Consequently, the two prefectures have taken measures to restrict the use of water concerning, among other things, the filling of private swimming pools, washing vehicles or watering lawns.

In the Vosges, where restrictions are in effect throughout the department until September 30, “ specific measures are also taken for industrial and commercial uses, for the management of hydraulic works, for agricultural activities, as well as for discharges into the natural environment ”. Offenders face a fine of 1,500 euros, 3,000 euros in the event of a repeat offense, warns the prefecture.

The Grand Est region is experiencing marked drought, which has already led the prefectures of Bas-Rhin, Moselle and Meurthe-et-Moselle to decree similar restrictions on the use of water.