Epernay is famous for being the capital of champagne, several large houses have their headquarters there. In the future, she may be known for her brand... drinking water. Like other intercommunalities before it, such as the agglomeration of Vienne (Isère) which launched the "Aqua Vienna" in the summer of 2022, Épernay agglo Champagne has decided to rename its tap water. It is now called "La Cuvée 47", in reference to the first juices extracted for the making of champagne and the number of municipalities in the agglomeration.
Behind this prestigious name, several objectives are pursued. "Our desire is to change the image of tap water, which is generally little considered by the public, while the resource is becoming scarce and becoming more and more sensitive," explains Franck Leroy, president of the agglomeration. The approach is also part of a desire to eliminate as much as possible the use of plastic bottles, which are a real scourge. Tap water is perfectly healthy, good for the wallet and good for the planet. »
Épernay agglo Champagne has nine catchment points that supply its 47 municipalities. As everywhere in France, the feed water of the Sparnacian basin is controlled by the Regional Health Agency (ARS). The majority of analyses show good quality water, even if, in some municipalities of the prestigious Côte des Blancs, a wine-growing area famous for its Chardonnays, recent more restrictive regulations have revealed a too high presence of pesticides. However, it can be consumed without restriction.
Read alsoHalf of tap water in France contaminated by pesticides and herbicides
In Epernay, where it meets all requirements, excellence comes at a high price: €5.20 per cubic meter (drinking water and sanitation), compared to €3.01 in Reims, €3.12 in Châlons and €3.91 in Aÿ. A tariff defended by the president of the agglomeration. "It is water that pays for water, that is to say that it is the revenues that make it possible to finance investment. We have always chosen to maintain a price that allows us to invest heavily in distribution networks, treatment plants and resource preservation. In 2022, of the €19 million invested by Épernay agglo Champagne, nearly €15 million was spent on work on water and sanitation networks.