Drought alert: what are the rules on filling swimming pools in the Alpes-Maritimes?

Cagnes-sur-Mer, La Gaude, Saint-Jeannet, Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Vence are among 82 communes currently subject to restrictions following a prefectural order issued on July 31.

In communes classified as being in a state of “crisis”, residents are generally banned from filling or topping up private swimming pools.

Other restrictions include a ban on washing cars at home and watering gardens and green spaces, day or night, except in specific circumstances.

There can be limited exceptions for private pools.

These include a first fill needed to preserve a pool whose construction work began before the drought order, a minimal top-up required for an alarm system or to prevent mosquitoes, or an individual exemption granted by the prefect.

Violating the restrictions can result in a fifth-class offence, with fines of up to €1,500 for individuals, rising to €3,000 for repeat offences.

Companies and other legal entities can face fines of up to €6,000.There is, however, an important exception for Cagnes-sur-Mer.

The crisis restrictions apply only to uses not connected to the drinking-water network.

The commune receives its drinking water from the Loup catchment, which is currently at the lower “vigilance” level.

Residents connected to mains drinking water can therefore currently fill or top up their pools.

In communes classified as being on “alert” or “enhanced alert”, topping up an existing pool is permitted, although filling a pool remains prohibited.