Water

More charges brought against bottled water firms supplying France

‘A financial settlement must not put an end to investigations into fraud’, says NGO Foodwatch

Chemical anomalies found in French tap water in study

43% of samples in the study were found to contain PFAS ‘forever chemicals’

How to save energy and money running your swimming pool at French home

Try these tweaks to avoid excess electricity and water bills

news

A guide for those in Paris during the Olympic and Paralympic games

Closed transport stations, road traffic, large crowds, hot weather, restricted areas: Here is how to navigate the city as the global sporting event gets underway

What to expect from this weekend’s ‘mega-reservoir’ protests in France

See what protests are planned and where, and why authorities are on such high alert

Why are water mega-reservoirs the cause of so much tension in France?

Controversy has erupted again ahead of major planned protests this weekend, with 3,000 police on alert

Sewer-to-tap recycling water project to launch in west France

A groundbreaking water recycling initiative in a town in Vendée in west France is to reuse household water so it is fit for domestic use

Why household water bills are set to soar in France

Costs could rise by as much as 50% over the next five to 10 years, say water firms. There could also be a crackdown on people with wells and boreholes

French homeowner wins case over smart water meter installed in absence

The woman had asked for information but the company simply installed the meter instead

MAP: which areas in France already have water shortages?

Water reserves are above average in some areas due to heavy autumn rainfall but some areas have shortages

How to check for leaks in your French home without a smart water meter

Homeowners should do regular checks to monitor their water consumption

Tap water fees for homes to be seasonal in Toulouse

The ‘innovative’ measure will see prices rise 42% in summer; critics say it is unfair

French hotels charge less if guests take shorter showers

The ‘water saving’ option enables guests to limit their water usage and save resources

Watchdog takes action over banned treatment of French mineral water

“Nobody, not even a multinational like Nestlé, is above the law,” it says

Record rain refills water table in France but issues remain for 2024

As of December 1, rainfall had refilled almost half to ‘above-average’ levels for the season

Court cancels two water ‘megabasin’ projects in western France

The controversial reservoirs were ‘not associated with any real water-saving measures,’ it ruled

Part of Brittany put on drought alert, residents asked to save water

It comes after a significant lack of rainfall over the summer

Drought: French city to give water-saving shower heads to residents

The devices will be distributed for free and can save up to 40% of water, say authorities

Eco-protest convoy of tractors and bikes to travel through France

A new protest against the controversial ‘mega-reservoirs’ will set off for Paris this week

Summer rain has not helped France’s low groundwater levels - minister

More than 30 departments are also on crisis alert for drought

Drought: 100 French communes without constant source of drinking water

Almost 30,000 people are affected

Sudden death of dogs sparks toxic water fears in southern France

It has led to an emergency ban on swimming in or drinking from a river in Bordeaux

Dordogne’s €50 grant for water butts: What help in my part of France?

Some parts of France are offering financial help to buy rainwater collectors to ease the pressure on water supplies

New housing market blow, key box crackdown: 5 French property updates

Plus millions of French homes ill-equipped for summer heat and Olympic apartments up for sales

Leaks mean one-in-five litres of water in France is wasted, says study

The amount lost is the equivalent of one billion m3 of water per year, the equivalent of the consumption of Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Nice

French public health body’s tips for staying hydrated this summer

From consuming coconut water to drinking before you feel thirsty, we share French health advice on how to avoid dehydration

Why are sea temperatures off France’s coasts so abnormally high?

They are between 3C to 5C higher than usual in the Atlantic and Mediterranean for this time of year, say experts

Two-thirds of French groundwater is still below normal levels

Recent rain has been absorbed by the soil and not had an impact on groundwater levels, a government minister explained

French mayor increases summer tariffs to make people use less water

‘It’s about sending an urgent message to change how people use water,’ said Grasse mayor Jérôme Viaud, introducing the measure

This is how the government wants you to save water this summer

From taking shorter showers to collecting rainwater, France has issued advice on how people should reduce their water consumption

Legal bid to overturn ban on above-ground pools in southern France

Restrictions to tackle drought conditions in Pyrénées-Orientales stigmatise swimming pools, says the federation bringing the legal challenge

Firefighters forced to get water from sea in drought-hit south France

They would normally get water from fire hydrants, but the drought has seen them look to the sea, lakes and rivers instead

Pesticides in French tap water ‘not a health risk’

A recent study found traces of a banned fungicide in half of the samples taken from French drinking water, but authorities say tap water is safe to drink

Unusual French properties: Mill owners can see water below their feet

In our series looking at unusual properties, Charles Miskin tells us he has no regrets after falling for an old watermill

France property news: Interest rate rise, tax row, MaPrimeRenov’ woes

We also look at a French town’s €500-a-day fines for illegal building work and a new water bill obligation for landlords

Rules on using well water during a drought in France

Partner article: We look at what water restrictions are applied to private wells during droughts

Tap water ban in four villages in southern France as shortages bite

Tap water consumption has been banned in four communes in the south of France.

Go-ahead for controversial ‘mega reservoirs’ in west France

Critics of the basins say they will worsen water shortages and that farmers are ‘hoarding’ a scarce resource

Traces of banned pesticide found in French tap water

France’s food safety agency said a third of samples taken contained byproducts of the banned pesticide chlorothalonil. Paris and west France among affected areas

Drought-hit French commune gives locals free water-saving devices

With river levels extremely low, a mayor in southern France has moved to protect precious water supplies

Project to make wastewater fit for drinking in France

The Jourdain project in western France is the first of its kind in Europe, and could provide a solution to future droughts

Seven tips on how to save water and reduce your bills in France

It comes as the government announces plans to cut its consumption by 10%

‘Very unsatisfactory’: Alarm raised over France’s groundwater levels

A dry 2022 and a record winter spell without rain has left 80% of France’s groundwater at ‘moderately or very low’ levels, according to a new report

Can I use water from well to water garden during droughts in France?

We look at how restrictions apply to well water - and also rainwater

99% of Brittany waterways found to have traces of pesticide

One sample contained 83 traces of different pesticides and residue. Drinking water is still deemed safe but its quality for some is far from ideal

Smart water meters let households track usage in France

Another big advantage of smart water meters is the detection and notification of leaks in real time

Water bills in France set to rise between 6% and 12%

Rising electricity costs at treatment plants are not currently covered by government’s energy cap

Walrus spotted resting in Normandy port, 3,500km from home

The mammal was not thought to be in poor health, and was just one of the North Atlantic animals seen in French ports this weekend

12 million people in France have drunk pesticide-contaminated water

Up to 20% of the population – especially in Brittany – has consumed water with potentially dangerous pesticide levels. We ask: should we switch to bottled?

Illegal cabins tracked, tree dispute: Four French property updates

We also look at the annulment of a house sale because of a lack of access to drinking water and the nightmare of a pensioner unable to leave his flat

French town to become first in Europe to recycle used water

Sables-d’Olonne in Vendée is to take waste water, clean it and redirect it back into the drinking water system

How are French authorities informing people of water restrictions?

Readers report mixed experiences in terms of obtaining information with some saying it has been near impossible to work out the rules and others praising the efforts of local authorities

French golf course holes cemented over by climate activists

The protesters are opposed to the at least partial exemption applied to golf courses when other non-essential usages are completely banned

French farmer grows crops without water, fertiliser or pesticide

By burying organic matter underground and turning the earth in winter to trap moisture, he gives his fruit and vegetables the tools to survive

What happens if you break French water restriction rules by accident?

With rules to combat drought in place in many parts of the country, we look at what happens if you water your garden when you are not supposed to

Vigilance, alert, crisis: what France’s four drought warnings mean

From limits on watering the garden to a complete ban on using water for anything but essential needs, we look at the rules that could be in place in your area

Parts of French canals closed to boats due to low water level

Rivers remain largely navigable because of damming techniques, but the water level is low

Heatwave alerts issued for most of France today as temperatures rise

This week’s 40C peaks will mark the third heatwave of the summer so far, although the ‘length and intensity’ will be less than before

South-west France residents cannot water gardens for three months

The population of two Dordogne communes will not be allowed to wash their cars or fill their pools either, because of supply issues

Drought map update: 19 French departments have crisis-level alerts

Central and western areas are most severely affected by water restrictions but southeastern areas are also under strain

MAP: see areas subject to updated drought restrictions in France

We look at the departments where warnings and water restrictions now apply following data released yesterday July 5

MAP: where are water restrictions now in place in France?

We look at the departments which are subject to warnings, alerts, reinforced alerts and crisis-level restrictions

Bottled or tap: How do you take your water in France?

Some drink bottled water to avoid the chlorinated taste of its tap counterpart, while another sees buying from supermarkets as a ‘con’

France declares drought in 24 departments with 92 water rules in place

Water restrictions include a ban on watering gardens and washing cars at certain times

Where can I find free public drinking water in France?

Many people want to reduce their consumption of bottled water for environmental reasons but with summer approaching, it is important to stay hydrated

How to check for water restrictions in your area of France

A quarter of French departments are currently subject to a drought warning or alert. We explain how this affects residents

Water recycling plant in west France first of its kind in Europe

The new plant is set to be trialled for a year, and if successful will eventually recycle eight million cubic metres of water, supplying a much-needed extra source in an area at risk of drought

Almost everywhere in France set to be hit by drought this summer

A new map shows just how high the risk is. Climate experts predict a ‘water war’

Water restrictions in place: how bad is the drought risk in France?

15 departments are already on alert with temperatures expected to reach up to 31°C today

Water restrictions begin in several areas of France after dry winter

Western and southeastern regions in particular are seeing a significant water deficit

Volvic bottles recalled by French supermarkets over vinegar smell

This applies to bottles sold between December 21 and January 4 in Casino, Intermarché and other supermarkets

French syndicate denies error despite farmhouse’s €2,000 water bill

British resident now plans formal mediation proceedings to challenge the huge garden water bill at his isolated home

Water leak law is also for French second homes

A law limiting large water bills due to leaks can apply whether or not the property was occupied at the time.

Cut energy and water bills by €200 with website tips in France

Householders can save around €200 a year, a government environment agency claims, by implementing the simple ways to reduce energy and water use on its website

McDonald’s France defends charging €1.75 for ‘filtered’ tap water

The chain claims it reduces use of bottle water and thus plastic but critics question the legality of charging. We look at France’s bottled water use and how tap water costs compare within Europe