The prefect of the Yvelines has announced changes to water usage restrictions in the department. The Centre, Ouest, Sud-Est, and Sud-Ouest zones will see eased restrictions, moving from reinforced alert to alert, or from alert to vigilance. However, the Seine zone remains under reinforced alert, highlighting the fragility of the hydrological situation. Water conservation remains essential across the entire department.
In the Seine zone, under reinforced alert, restrictions are more significant. These include prohibitions on watering kitchen gardens between 9 am and 8 pm, watering lawns and decorative plants (except trees and shrubs planted less than two years ago, which can be watered between 8 pm and 9 am), agricultural sprinkling irrigation between 9 am and 8 pm (unless exempted), washing vehicles at home, and filling private swimming pools over 1m³ (unless topping up or for sanitary reasons).
For the Centre, Ouest, and Sud-Est zones, under alert, prohibitions include watering kitchen gardens, lawns, and green spaces between 11 am and 6 pm, watering sports grounds and racecourses between 11 am and 6 pm, agricultural sprinkling irrigation between 11 am and 6 pm (unless exempted), washing vehicles at home, filling private swimming pools over 1m³, and cleaning facades, roofs, and impervious surfaces (unless carried out by a local authority or professional company). The use of collected rainwater is not restricted.
In the Est and Sud-Ouest zones, now under vigilance, no general restrictions are imposed on domestic use. Nevertheless, all users are urged to limit their consumption. The prefect of the Yvelines calls on everyone to continue their efforts to preserve water resources.
Exemptions are maintained for certain agricultural holdings, subject to maximum volumes and consumption monitoring. Environmental police will conduct checks, and non-compliance with restrictions can result in a fine of up to 1,500 euros. For detailed information on restrictions in each commune, vigieau.gouv.fr is available.
