Drought: water restrictions extended until the end of October in Savoie and Haute-Savoie

Thursday’s rain was not enough. In both departments, the prefectures (the State’s local authorities) report a very dry, hot September and are extending water-use restrictions until the end of October.

Haute-Savoie: four areas in crisis

In its bulletin of 30 September, the Haute-Savoie prefecture notes a worsening situation: the lower Arve area moves to crisis (level 4/4) from this Thursday, 1 October. It joins the Dranses, the Chéran and the Usses, already in crisis. In these areas only priority uses remain allowed: drinking water, survival of aquatic species, watering livestock, civil security, public health and some agricultural uses.

• Crisis (4/4): lower Arve, Dranses, Chéran, Usses
• Reinforced alert (3/4): Fier, middle Arve, south-west Lake Geneva area
• Alert (2/4): Genevois, upper Arve

These measures are extended until 31 October 2026.

Savoie: the Chéran at the highest level

In Savoie, the prefectoral order signed on 25 September extends until 30 October the restrictions in place since 5 August. They may be lifted earlier if the situation improves lastingly.

• Crisis (level 4): Chéran basin — vegetable gardens may only be watered between 8 pm and 8 am; lawns, car washing, filling swimming pools and open-circuit fountains are banned
• Level 3: Guiers-Chartreuse, Combe de Savoie-Val Gelon, Lac du Bourget-Albanais — watering banned between 8 am and 8 pm, vehicles may only be washed at car-wash stations
• Level 2: Flon-Aiguebelette, Beaufortain-Val d’Arly, Tarentaise, Maurienne

The restrictions apply to all water sources (mains, wells, boreholes, private springs). Collected rainwater is not affected.

Why Thursday’s rain changes nothing

Our Albertville weather station recorded 13.2 mm on 1 October, after several dry, hot days (see our readings). That is far too little: according to the Savoie prefecture, a lasting return to normal would take several weeks of regular rain.

To find the exact rules in your municipality, the official VigiEau website (in French) gives the level in force address by address.