• A prefectural decree signed Friday but published on Monday officially places the department on drought "alert" until April 30, at least.
  • In particular, it becomes impossible to water between 8 a.m. and 20 p.m., both for individuals and in public green spaces and golf courses.
  • Beach showers and public fountains (in continuous flow) are shut down while the pools can no longer be filled.

Attacked by eight forest fires this weekend, the Alpes-Maritimes are officially under restrictions on drinking water consumption. A prefectural decree signed Friday but published on Monday officially places the department on drought "alert" until April 30, at least. With the possibility that this level of severity could be reassessed (a priori upwards) by then.

In the meantime, Côte d'Azur, but also businesses and communities, are therefore subject to limitations. In particular, it becomes impossible to water between 8 a.m. and 20 p.m., both for individuals and in public green spaces and golf courses. Vehicle washing is prohibited "except for professionals using high-pressure equipment and a recycling system". Washing with large waters is prohibited, only those carried out with pressurized water and by communities are allowed. Beach showers and public fountains (in continuous flow) are shut down. And the pools can no longer be filled.


Precipitation and temperature "anomalies"

"Regardless of the administrative consequences, non-compliance with the measures enacted incurs the offender a fifth-class ticket," says the text signed by the prefect of Alpes-Maritimes Bernard Gonzalez.

"This winter is in France the fifth consecutive season marked by a deficit of precipitation and higher than normal temperatures," noted Météo-France in its review of the period from December 1 to February 28. And the Alpes-Maritimes have not escaped. In his order, the prefect specifies that the department is concerned by "significantly deficient rainfall anomalies" from September to February, "combined with excess temperature anomalies for the season".

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