France Drowning in Drought: 70% Under Water Restrictions

France is currently facing a severe drought, with approximately 70% of its territory under water usage restrictions as of August 2026. This dire situation follows three months of successive heatwaves that have broken temperature records, caused thousands of excess deaths, and intensified wildfires across the nation.

The country's Bureau of Geological and Mining Research reported that two-thirds of its aquifers are below normal levels, a situation exacerbated by a significant rainfall deficit in July and increased water demand from agriculture and tourism.

Water conservation measures are strictly enforced, especially in the 67 departments under the highest alert, where water is reserved for essential needs. Lower alert levels restrict activities like garden watering and car washing.

This growing water crisis is becoming a prominent issue in France's presidential campaign, with candidates proposing different approaches to resource management, including a novel division based on river basins.