The drought situation in the PO has taken a sharp turn, with the Tech river officially moving into crisis level. This is the most severe classification, and it means water use restrictions will now be at their strictest along the Tech basin.
Why the Tech Is in Crisis
Weeks of intense heat and little to no rainfall have reduced water flows across the department, but the Tech has been hit especially hard. Hydrological conditions have deteriorated quickly, with many stretches of the river showing signs of extreme stress. Unlike the Têt, which is partially supported by releases from the Bouillouses dam, the Tech has no comparable buffer, making it particularly vulnerable.
What It Means in Practice
Under the crisis level, most non-essential water uses are prohibited:
❌ No watering of lawns, gardens (except limited vegetable gardens), or sports fields.
❌ No filling or topping up of swimming pools.
❌ No washing of cars at home.
❌ No cleaning of terraces, roofs, or pavements.
❌ Agricultural irrigation severely restricted, with exceptions only for priority crops.
Authorities will be carrying out inspections, and fines can apply for non-compliance.
Other Water Sources
- The Têt remains on alert, thanks to support from the Bouillouses dam, though its tributaries are struggling.
- The Agly is still in crisis upstream and alert downstream.
- The Sègre–Carol is in vigilance for now, due to some rainfall in the Cerdagne.
- Groundwater reserves in the Tech, Aspres, and Agly aquifers are also in crisis, reflecting a worrying lack of recharge.
Next Steps
The Prefecture has issued a new decree, valid until 30 September 2025, setting the restrictions in detail. To keep pace with the worsening situation, the Water Resource Committee will now meet every two weeks rather than monthly.
👉 Full details, including the list of communes affected, are available on the prefecture’s website: