Alpes-Maritimes placed on drought alert as water levels fall sharply
Authorities in the Alpes-Maritimes have issued a drought vigilance alert following a sharp decline in rainfall, groundwater reserves and river levels.
Authorities in the Alpes-Maritimes department have declared a drought vigilance alert after an alarming decline in water resources since spring.
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Prefect Laurent Hottiaux announced the measure, which came into force on 1 June following a review by the local water resources committee.
The region recorded an unprecedented rainfall deficit of nearly 87% in April 2026, which was also the second warmest April since records began in 1947.
Officials say around 70% of monitored groundwater reserves are now below seasonal averages, while river flows have fallen dramatically across the department.
Several rivers have seen particularly severe declines.
The Cagne's flow has dropped to just above the official alert threshold, while the Loup is carrying less than a quarter of the water it did at the same time last year.
Although no mandatory restrictions have yet been introduced, residents, businesses and local authorities are being urged to reduce non-essential water use, including garden watering, car washing and filling swimming pools.
With forecasts pointing to a hotter-than-average summer, officials warn that stricter measures could be introduced in the coming weeks if conditions fail to improve.