Haute-Garonne: New Water Restrictions Come into Effect

Facing persistent drought, the Haute-Garonne prefecture is strengthening water withdrawal limitation measures in Saint-Orens-de-Gameville.

Generic image of a dry riverbed with cracked earth and withered plants under a harsh sun in the South of France landscape.
AI

Generic image of a dry riverbed with cracked earth and withered plants under a harsh sun in the South of France landscape.

Due to persistent drought, the Haute-Garonne prefecture has implemented new water usage restrictions in Saint-Orens-de-Gameville starting October 17, 2026, placing the area under reinforced alert level.

Despite the arrival of autumn, the hot and dry climate of recent months has maintained low levels in the rivers of Haute-Garonne. The prefecture has therefore decided to strengthen water usage restriction measures, applicable from October 17, 2026.
The municipality of Saint-Orens-de-Gameville, which falls under the management zone "Fleuve Garonne aval et canal latéral à la Garonne," is affected by the "Alerte renforcée" (reinforced alert) level (orange). This level mandates a reduction in all water withdrawals and prohibits certain activities, particularly those involving aquatic environments.
On a daily basis, these restrictions impact the watering of vegetable gardens (prohibited from 8 am to 8 pm), lawns, and flower beds (except for trees and shrubs under three years old, limited to twice a week between 8 pm and 8 am), filling swimming pools (except for topping up or initial filling if construction began before restrictions), and washing vehicles or cleaning facades and pavements (unless for sanitary or safety reasons).
Restrictions vary depending on the water source: public drinking water network or direct withdrawals from rivers, their tributaries, accompanying aquifers, or groundwater. Agricultural and business uses are detailed in the prefectural decree.
Based on information from the official source: Mairie de Saint-Orens-de-Gameville (20/10/2026)