Vigilance, vigilance, heightened alarm or crisis: after three weeks of heat waves without rain, all five departments of Normandy are now affected by water restriction measures linked to a drought warning.
Three weeks of intense heat, strong winds and almost no rain: this cocktail was enough to cause the river levels of Normandy to drop to a critical threshold. Since July 10, several watersheds have been placed on high or even enhanced alert, with specific implications for water use by local residents, farmers, and businesses.
No Norman department would now escape some form of restriction or, at a minimum, a call to vigilance. Calvados, Manche, Eure, Seine-Maritime and Orne: here is the updated situation by sector.
Channel: the most critical situation in the region
Undoubtedly, this department was hit hardest by the drought. In early July, the Central Channel was raised to high alert level. The decree of July 15 even plunged the Nord-Cotentin and Siena-Soulles sectors into a state of crisis, at its maximum level.
In particular, showering on the beach, watering gardens and flowering areas, maintaining sports fields and washing cars are now prohibited for individuals, professionals and communities. Only a few exceptions remain for some gardeners.
Ere: rapid deterioration over several weeks.
The first vigilance order was issued on June 12 in 6 of the department’s 15 districts. Three weeks later, the situation had already worsened, with 5 districts placed on high alert and 4 on alert.
Since July 17, new prefectural decrees have tightened restrictions in several sectors, making Er one of the hardest-hit areas in the region.
Agricultural work is also prohibited from 12:00. and 8 p.m. due to the risk of fire.
Seine-Maritime: targeted restrictions in two sectors
A drought warning has been issued for the Bresle Valley and the Pays de Bray Valley, with restrictions applying to individuals, communities and businesses.
Orne: Pools are under voltage despite global vigilance
This Friday, July 24, the department is strengthening water restriction measures in Orne. The areas of Orne-Amon, Orne-Moyenne, Risle-Charenton-Gille are in a state of alarm. In Avre, Aigrain-Varennes, Eton, Mayenne-Amon and Touquet, combat readiness has been increased, and in the Sarthe-Amon region there is a crisis.
Locally, fisheries stakeholders are warning of the scale of the phenomenon: some rivers have lower water levels than in 2022, according to the Orne Fisheries Federation, and the driest months are usually still ahead in September and October.
Calvados: general vigilance, increased vigilance in the west
Since May 20, the department has been on high alert.
As of July 17, western Calvados moved to alert level three, a sign of the continuing deterioration of the situation.
Regional authorities say rainfall deficits and continued dwindling water resources are raising concerns about further degradation. No sustained weather disruption is forecast in the short term, which could lead to an unprecedented spell for the region if the drought persists into late summer.