Updated drought and water restrictions in Réunion. 6 municipalities placed in a state of crisis.
A new decree concerning the use of water in the most affected municipalities
Since August 21, 2024, the drought committee has met once a month to study the situation on the island during this period when precipitation is much lower than seasonal norms.
The last rains effective for recharging resources date from January 2024, with the cyclonic episodes caused by the Belal and Candice meteors. Forecasts for the start of the year indicate that the wet season will take time to set in. The few scattered rains are largely insufficient to restore the water tables and sustainably ensure high flows in the watercourses.
To overcome this problem, daily water cuts are organized in the districts of Sainte-Marie, Saint-André, Salazie, Cilaos and others, more occasional, are to be feared such as Bras-Panon or even in the Plaine des Palm trees. The level of resources is alarming in these sectors and the network management authorities are on alert.
Thus, the drought committee made a request to the prefect to implement general measures to restrict water use, based on the new prefectural framework validated on December 11, 2024.
Indeed, a prefectural decree dated December 19, 2024, specifies the municipalities in which the use of water must be subject to vigilance measures or temporary restrictions, for a period of one month. The alert level was determined based on the level of surface or underground resources, taking into account the difficulties in supplying homes with water.
Due to weather forecasts raising fears of a persistent drought situation, the drought committee met on January 8. At this meeting, it was decided to update the restriction order of December 19, 2024. As a result, a new order was published on January 17, 2025, thus maintaining the vigilance measures and temporary restrictions with an update. day of data.
-Throughout the territory, the prefect, Patrice Latron, calls on all Reunion Islanders to be extremely vigilant and to reduce non-essential water consumption. Failure to comply with the rules of good conduct stipulated in decree no. 2025-86 is punishable by the fine provided for 5th class contraventions, which can reach an amount of €1,500.
The prefect asked the environmental police services to step up their vigilance.
Good actions to take
Please note that water cuts cause deterioration in water quality and that it is unfit for consumption when distribution is restored. It is therefore recommended that people who experience water cuts consume bottled water.
Otherwise, you should boil tap water and keep it boiling for at least three minutes before using it for food. Tap water can, however, be used for all other sanitary purposes (toilet, WC, washing, etc.).
These measures must be respected until official communication of the restoration of water quality by the water distributor.
