Showering the careless.
While an unprecedented episode of drought hits the territory, bad behavior is no longer allowed.
In Yvelines, while the prefecture has tightened and extended restrictions on the use of water, the environmental police are ready to crack down.
Especially in areas that have been under high tension for several weeks.
"In the south-east of the department, which has been in a state of crisis since the end of July, we are going to be more strict, confirms Laurent Nunez, head of the Yvelines-Val-d'Oise interdepartmental service of the OFB, the French Office for the biodiversity.
Elsewhere, where we have moved from the stage of vigilance to that of alert, there will be more education and prevention.
At least for two or three weeks.
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Since the entry into force of the drought decree on July 28, the eight environmental police officers have already revealed several infractions.
“We cannot yet communicate on it, the investigations are in progress”, we are told.
A global awareness
Farmers, communities, golf courses, equestrian centres, businesses, individuals… The target audiences are diverse.
But on the whole, everyone seems sensitized.
“In a way, we were helped this year by strong communication at the national level on the drought and the restrictions on the use of water, remarks Laurent Nunez.
It is well taken into account by the population.
Good information is the sinews of war.
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In its new decree taken at the end of last week, the prefecture of Yvelines placed the whole of the department at least at the alert level.
And in the southeastern part, 38 municipalities are in a state of crisis, the highest degree.
Among them, Vélizy, Trappes, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, Bois-d'Arcy, Guyancourt, Magny-les-Hameaux and Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse.
"A significant drop in river flows"
From now on, the whole department is concerned at least by watering restrictions: prohibited between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. for private gardens and sports fields, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for golf courses.
The washing of vehicles is naturally prohibited in private homes.
Among others.
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According to state services, "the weather conditions in August, still marked by hot and generally dry weather, again led to a significant drop in river flows in the Yvelines, despite a few stormy episodes".
A new stormy episode could affect the region at the end of the week, according to Météo France, but it is very likely that it will not be enough to stop the drought.