Water restrictions in Gironde have eased in several areas, though some regions remain under crisis level alerts due to low river flows.
Water restrictions lifted in parts of Gironde
The Gironde prefecture has lifted water restrictions in five watersheds after improved flow rates in October. This decision follows a new decree issued on October 28, 2026, which updates the map of water use restrictions for rivers and their associated aquifers. Some areas still face severe restrictions
Despite the improvement, three watersheds remain at the "crisis" level, the most severe classification. Other areas still have restrictions on irrigation, swimming pools, and agricultural water use. The overall hydrological situation has improved, but some rivers still have very low flows. Five zones no longer have restrictions
Five alert zones are no longer under water restrictions: the Etangs Canal, the eastern coast of the Arcachon basin, the Bassanne-Beuve-Brion, the Pimpine, and the Saye-Meudon-Lary. These changes affect parts of the South Gironde and Entre-deux-Mers regions. Potable water use returns to normal
Prefect Sophie Brocas has lifted the vigilance threshold for the use of potable water across the department. State services report that pressure on this resource has returned to normal. Remaining restrictions apply only to water drawn from rivers and their associated aquifers. New rules for some basins
The Gravouse-Seignal and Virvée-Moron basins have been downgraded to the "enhanced alert" level. In these areas, vegetable garden irrigation is prohibited between 8 am and 8 pm, and car washing at home is still banned. Agricultural withdrawals are restricted three and a half days per week, as outlined in the prefecture’s schedule. Other basins move to lower alert levels
The Laurina-Jalle de Ludon and Livenne basins are now under the "alert" level. In these basins, vegetable garden irrigation is banned between 1 pm and 8 pm, and lawn irrigation is prohibited between 8 am and 8 pm. Agricultural withdrawals are suspended on Thursdays and Sundays. Some areas remain under crisis
Three basins remain at the "crisis" level: Fongaband-Langrane, the Lidoire, and Barbanne-Lavié-Palais. Other areas, including the Jalle de Blanquefort, the Lisos, the Laurence, and the lateral canal of the Garonne, remain under enhanced alert or alert levels. Alert zones follow watersheds, not cities
The boundaries of alert zones follow the watersheds rather than municipal borders. This means two neighbors in different communes might face different rules depending on the river and water source involved. Individuals can check the applicable measures through VigiEau, a public service that monitors water restrictions, and refer to the prefectural decree for details.
