Drought in the Alpes-Maritimes region: 40 towns on alert, 5 on enhanced alert
Drought in the Alpes-Maritimes region: 40 towns on alert, 5 on enhanced alert - From today Tuesday, July 29th, 2025, 40 towns in the Alpes-Maritimes are under drought alert, and five more face enhanced alert, triggering immediate water restrictions. The Prefect Laurent Hottiaux has urged residents, businesses, and tourists to reduce water use to protect resources. Despite above-normal rainfall over the past year, June saw 86% less rain, and July nearly 40% less, with heatwaves worsening conditions. Water levels in rivers and aquifers are critically low.
Affected Areas: Parts of the Paillon, Brague, Upper and Lower Siagne watersheds, including Antibes, Cannes, Grasse, Vallauris, and Mougins.
Enhanced alert: Cagnes-sur-Mer, La Gaude, Saint-Jeannet, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and Vence.
Key Restrictions (for towns on alert):
- No watering 8 AM–8 PM
- No water games or filling private pools (topping off allowed)
- Fountains off unless on closed circuit
- Car washes must recycle 70% of water
- Boat cleaning limited to pros with high-pressure/recycled systems
- Professionals
- Golf courses: 20% water cut, no watering 8 AM–8 PM
- Industry (non-ICPE): 20% daily water reduction
Extra Measures (enhanced alert areas):
- Watering green spaces banned, except trees <3 yrs old, only before 8 AM/after 8 PM
- Beach showers closed, except on accessible beaches
Authorities will conduct checks to ensure compliance.