Water restrictions extended in Haute-Garonne

Water usage restrictions have been extended in the Haute-Garonne department since Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 8 a.m. The prefect has renewed existing measures and increased restrictions in the Hers-Mort area, which is now placed on alert. These restrictions apply to both domestic use and water withdrawals for agriculture and economic activities.

Rains offer temporary relief but dry weather returns

Rains at the end of October temporarily improved river flows in some areas. However, the return of dry weather has caused a new decline in water levels, coming at a time when the usual support from water reserves is ending. Authorities are particularly monitoring the Garonne upstream of Portet-sur-Garonne and the Neste system, which may need additional water to meet supply needs.

Many communes face reinforced restrictions or crisis status

More than 300 communes in Haute-Garonne are under reinforced restrictions or crisis conditions. Of these, 161 communes are on reinforced alert and 142 are in crisis, totaling 303 communes. Other communes are under a general vigilance level, meaning residents should check their local situation rather than assuming the same restrictions apply everywhere in the department.

Different restrictions apply to river withdrawals

Restrictions for direct water withdrawals from rivers and aquifers vary by area. The crisis level remains in effect on the Garonne upstream of Portet-sur-Garonne, the Saint-Martory canal, the Tescou, and several other basins. The Hers-Mort has moved from vigilance to alert for these withdrawals, affecting specific regions in the department.

Strict rules apply in crisis-level communes

In communes classified in crisis for public water supply, vegetable gardening is banned between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Lawn and ornamental garden watering is also restricted, with limited exceptions for young trees and shrubs. Private car washing and filling family swimming pools are prohibited, except for health reasons. These rules are detailed in the departmental atlas.

Reinforced alert brings similar but less strict rules

Under reinforced alert, vegetable gardens generally cannot be watered between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Restrictions also apply to lawns, vehicles, and swimming pools, with exceptions varying by area. Even at the vigilance level, watering is prohibited for vegetables and lawns between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Residents must check the atlas for the exact times applicable in their area.

Rules vary based on water source

The source of water is as important as the location. A resident supplied by the public network and a farmer drawing water directly from a river may be subject to different rules in the same area. In crisis zones for direct withdrawals, agricultural irrigation is generally banned, with limited exceptions for certain crops. The official map of withdrawals outlines specific rules for each use.

Residents can check restrictions online

To find out the restrictions applicable to their address, residents can consult the public service VigiEau and the two maps from the departmental atlas—one for drinking water and one for direct withdrawals. Farmers and professionals should also review the detailed provisions of the decree for their specific resource and activity, especially if planning irrigation or exceptions.