Meeting to review water study

On 29 October, officials, agricultural representatives, and water management experts met in Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres to review the findings of the first two phases of a study on water resources and future needs. The project, supported by the Gard rhodanien Agglomeration and the Uzège-Pont du Gard Territorial and Rural Balance Pole (PETR), involves 105 communes and nearly 180,000 residents.

Projected water needs by 2050

The study estimates that the region will require an additional 46.6 million cubic meters of water per year by 2050, mainly for irrigation. This figure is intended to guide decisions on which sectors can be supplied, with what resources, and at what cost. The focus is on raw water, which has not been treated for drinking and is used, for example, to irrigate crops.

Study based on local input

The work is grounded in surveys and discussions with farmers and local communities. Xavier Picot, the engineer leading the plan for the Agglomeration, stated that this meeting marks the end of the second phase of the study. The next step is to move from identifying the problem to developing possible future scenarios, considering the specific needs and constraints of each sector.

Long-term planning and collective action

Cédric Clemente, vice-president of the Gard rhodanien Agglomeration, emphasized the need to prepare for the next twenty to thirty years. Jonathan Pire, vice-president of the Uzège-Pont du Gard PETR, highlighted the importance of a collective response, as water access affects not only agriculture but also employment, the economy, and the appeal of local communities.

Irrigation as the main need

Irrigation is the primary water need in the region. Since the 2000s, the area has lost 45% of its farms and 16% of its agricultural land. Currently, about 3,190 hectares are irrigated, or 7% of the total agricultural land. The survey collected 684 responses from nearly 40% of the requested farms, indicating a demand for an additional 13,500 hectares of irrigation.

Future irrigation potential

According to the study's estimates, the potential for irrigation could reach 16,300 hectares. The additional needs for irrigation are projected at 44.8 million cubic meters per year by 2050. These are projections meant to guide future decisions, not actual water extraction that has been authorized.

Expanding the scope of the project

Jocelyn Sigaud, a representative of the association Les Porteurs d'eau, emphasized that the project includes all sectors of agriculture. The association, originally founded by winemakers, is preparing to revise its statutes to include more representatives from other agricultural sectors, such as arboriculture, market gardening, and olive growing.

Seasonal water demand and resource limits

Agricultural water needs are most intense during the summer months, when water resources are already in high demand. The Rhône River is considered a potential main source of additional water, but its use must balance other needs, ecological considerations, and seasonal flow variations. The study also looks at replacing some existing water withdrawals to reduce pressure on more fragile resources.

Broader water challenges

The project addresses more than just agricultural needs. Seven communes report difficulties in water supply, and 45 use water for non-domestic purposes. Using raw water for irrigation could help preserve water for drinking and other essential uses. The Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS) is also involved, as fire-fighting needs must be considered in the planning.

Next steps and planning timeline

The final development of the plan is not yet complete. Supply scenarios must be developed in November and December 2026, followed by consultation workshops in January and February 2027. The goal is to finalize the plan by April or May 2027. Jonathan Pire noted that this is an ambitious project requiring the collaboration of all partners involved.