Water restrictions extended in Lille region

Water usage restrictions in Lille and several nearby basins in the North of France remain in place until December 31, 2026. Prefects in the North and Pas-de-Calais extended the measures through decrees issued on October 26, applying to households, communities, businesses, and agriculture with varying rules for each sector.

Reinforced alert in Lille’s water basins

The Marque and Deûle basin in the Lille metropolitan area remains under reinforced alert. Restrictions outlined by the City of Lille continue beyond October 31, affecting daily activities such as gardening and car maintenance for residents.

Severe precipitation deficit

The North and Pas-de-Calais regions have experienced a 67% precipitation deficit in September and a 12% deficit in early October. Overall, from March to October, the region has seen a 37% shortfall, according to official reports, which explains the ongoing water restrictions.

Garden watering rules unchanged

Garden watering is prohibited between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. If using a rainwater collection system, watering is allowed before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m. Lawns and flower beds cannot be watered with municipal water, but rainwater can be used at the specified times.

Exceptions for young plants and trees

Trees and shrubs planted in the ground for less than two years can be watered outside the 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. window. Other wooded areas remain under the ban, with exceptions for collected rainwater. These rules are especially relevant to garden owners and those maintaining new plantings.

Vehicle washing and pool filling restricted

Washing vehicles at home is prohibited. Professional stations can be used only if they meet specific conditions, such as using high-pressure equipment or recycling at least 70% of water. Filling private swimming pools larger than 1 cubic meter is also banned, with exceptions for upgrades or ongoing projects.

Varying alert levels across the region

The Yser basin in Flanders has moved from crisis level to reinforced alert. Other basins maintain their August levels, including reinforced alert for the Marque-Deûle and lower Scarpe, and alert for the upper Scarpe, Sensée, Escaut, and Sambre. These details are outlined in L’Action agricole picarde.

Economic sectors face water restrictions

In reinforced alert areas, water withdrawals from industrial installations must be reduced by 20%. For agriculture, restrictions are based on authorized volumes, with additional hourly limits during orange or red heatwave alerts.

Residents can check restrictions online

Residents can access the public VigiEau platform to determine the water restrictions applicable to their area. The City of Bruay-sur-l’Escaut also provides the prefectural decree and annexes, including a list of communes by alert zone.

Temporary water use in cemeteries

A temporary exemption allows water use in cemeteries until November 12 for All Saints Day and November 11 commemorations, regardless of local alert levels. Groundwater recharge still requires several weeks, despite recent rains improving river flow in some areas.