The recent rains have had a saving effect but, despite a partial improvement, vigilance is required on many rivers.
It gets better. Much better. After several weeks of tension on water resources, recent rains have brought a welcome respite to Hérault, particularly in areas located to the east of the department. Thanks to this precipitation, the prefect was able to adjust certain restrictions, marking a slight reduction for several watersheds in the department, while other sectors remain on heightened alert or even in crisis.
In detail, the Cesse watershed benefits from a downgrading of its alert level, moving to “reinforced alert”. Likewise, the Hérault aval watershed has been downgraded to “vigilance”, a sign of an improvement in underground and surface water levels in these areas. In addition, restrictions on use have been lifted for the Hérault upstream and Lergue watersheds, thus allowing residents and professionals in these sectors to find more flexible conditions for the use of water. These reductions, although relative, represent an encouraging step forward for certain users hard hit by drought and restrictions.
The committee also decided to maintain vigilance “watersheds of Vidourle, Or, Lez-Mosson, the Lez axis
supported, of the Orb axis supported upstream Réals, of the Orb axis downstream Réals, of the Astian aquifer and of the Molasse de Castries aquifer”.
Continue to save water
Faced with this heterogeneous situation, the authorities are calling on citizens and professionals to remain vigilant in their use of water. The digital tool RestrEau 34, set up by the departmental direction of territories and the sea of Hérault (DDTM 34), makes it possible to monitor in real time the alert level applicable in each municipality. In just a few clicks, residents can find out the restrictions in force depending on their location, whether they are vigilance, alert, heightened alert or crisis measures.
For the prefect, this relative improvement should not lead to relaxation. It calls on each user – individual, business or community – to control their water consumption and avoid any waste. The mayors of the municipalities concerned also have the possibility of strengthening the restrictions in force on their territory if the situation requires it. These precautionary measures aim to best preserve water resources, in a context of drought which continues to impact the region.
Detailed information and infographics on the state of water resources in the department are available on the Hérault prefecture website, where everyone can find the necessary advice to adopt responsible and water-saving practices.
