Le Figaro Nice
Given the recent favorable evolution of the meteorological situation, the reduction in watering needs and water consumption at this time of year, and after consulting the water resources committee on Monday, December 12, the prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, Bernard Gonzalès, has decided to lift the water restriction measures in force from Friday, indicates the prefecture.
However, groundwater recharge remains uncertain to date, as well as the situation in several springs in the middle and high country.
The prefect therefore appeals
“to everyone's responsibility in anticipation of the spring and summer of 2023. The restrictive measures can indeed be reactivated without delay from the beginning of spring if necessary.
All of the best practices that have to date enabled water savings to be made must therefore be maintained.
At the same time, work is underway within the framework of the Assises de l'eau which will be held at the beginning of 2023, in order to
"draw in-depth feedback from the 2022 drought and identify the actions to be taken in the short, medium and long term
”, specifies the prefecture.
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The Alpes-Maritimes department faced a particularly alarming drought situation this year.
Several records have been broken: for example, the low water period was the hottest ever recorded in the department, and the period from September 2021 to August 2022 (hydrological year) is the driest ever known since the first measurements in 1959. Precipitation remained low during the months of September, October and November, then increased in December.
The recent rains have also improved the flow rates of all the rivers.
In addition, the level of the water tables, although particularly low for this time of year,
"begins to rise"
, again according to the prefecture.
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