Drought: Strengthening of water use restrictions in Gironde

Updated on 30/09/2026

Continuing the pattern from August, September was dry, with the lowest precipitation totals recorded for a September since 1977. At the same time, temperatures remained very high for the season, reaching maximum levels comparable to those recorded in September 2023.

Under these conditions, the hydrological situation in Gironde requires strengthening of the current measures.

As a result, after consulting the operational drought management cell, Sophie BROCAS, Prefect of Gironde, has issued a new order reinforcing temporary restrictions on water use according to the evolving situation across the various catchment basins.

This order places the Côtiers Est Bassin Arcachon catchment basin at "CRISIS" level and introduces restrictions, including:

→ on domestic and secondary uses:

* watering of vegetable gardens, including non-agricultural greenhouses: prohibited between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.;

* watering of lawns, gardens, green spaces, sports fields: prohibited;

* filling of public and private swimming pools: prohibited;

* washing of vehicles, exterior cleaning: prohibited;

→ and regarding agricultural uses: withdrawal prohibited.

This decree places the lower Dronne watershed in "ALERT" status. Restrictions are adapted accordingly, including:

→ regarding domestic and secondary uses:

* watering of vegetable gardens, including non-agricultural greenhouses: prohibited from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.;

* watering of lawns, gardens, green spaces, sports fields: prohibited from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.;

* filling of public and private swimming pools: prohibited, except for topping up and initial filling if construction had begun before the first restrictions were imposed;

* washing of private vehicles: prohibited;

→ and regarding agricultural uses:

* agricultural withdrawals prohibited two days per week, specifically on Thursdays and Sundays.

Furthermore,

* the catchment areas of Virvée-Moron, Gravouse–Seignal, Fongaband-Langrane, Lidoire, Barbanne-Lavié-Palais, and Saye-Meudon-Lary, and of Laurina–Jalle de Ludon are maintained at "CRISIS" level;

* the catchment areas of the Gua channel, Jalle de Castelneau, étangs canal, Jalle de Blanquefort, Bassanne–Beuve–Brion, Lisos, Gaillardon-Euille, Pimpinne, Laurence, Livenne, Andouille, and Gamage-Escouach, and of the Garonne lateral canal are maintained at "ENHANCED ALERT" level;

* the catchment areas of Vignague, Isle Aval, and Garonne downstream are maintained at "ALERT" level;

All restriction measures by usage are detailed in the departmental framework order and in the three interdepartmental framework orders for the Dordogne sub-basin, the Garonne axis, and the Dropt basin. These orders are available on the prefecture website: <https://www.gironde.gouv.fr/Demarches/Reglementation-et-environnement/Secheresse>.

Irrigations carried out using resources not regulated by these orders are not subject to these restrictions on extractions.

At this stage, no restriction measures are triggered for uses derived from the drinking water supply network sourced from deep aquifers, which are little sensitive to drought conditions. However, the entire department remains under vigilance. These aquifers are indeed heavily stressed due to withdrawals carried out throughout the year, and their preservation requires careful management of the resource, particularly for uses drawing water from wells or the drinking water supply network (such as lawn irrigation, for example), even in areas where no restriction measures are in place. For these citizen behaviors to be effective, they must be sustained over the long term.

Information and advice can be obtained from the following websites: https://vigieau.gouv.fr, www.jeconomiseleau.org, or www.eaufrance.fr.

To view the prefectural decree and detailed information on water restrictions in Gironde: https://www.gironde.gouv.fr/Demarches/Reglementation-et-environnement/Secheresse/Arrete-prefectoral-du-30-09-26-reglementant-temporairement-prelevements-et-usages-d-eau-en-Gironde

Associated documents

* [Download 2026-09-30 - CP Water Restriction

PDF - 0.08 Mb - 30/09/2026](/contenu/telechargement/88924/669506/file/2026-09-30 -CP Restriction eau.pdf)