Drought in Savoie: Prefecture strengthens water restrictions (updated 27/08/2026)

Background

After several weeks of high temperatures, the soils remain heavily dry despite some storms, and most rivers and plains and pre-Alpes (Bauges, Chartreuse) have very low levels. The restrictions are defined by the drought framework decree of 7 June 2023 and apply regardless of the resource: drinking water, well, drilling or private source. Only rain-recovery waters are excluded.

Why it's important

These measures are necessary for all users and checks will be carried out throughout the department to verify their compliance. Their non-compliance can lead to sanctions, so it is essential for every inhabitant, including newcomers, to know the rules applicable to their sector. Soil drying also reaches levels never measured in Savoie, which increases the risk of fire.

What Changes

Starting in the middle of this week, the Savoyard sector of the Cheran turns into a "crisis" (4/4), in the interests of upstream/downstream solidarity with the Haute-Savoie, where this level has been applied since 1 August. The basins of Guiers-Chartrouse, the Combe de Savoie-Val Gelon and the Lac du Bourget-Albannais pass in "enhanced alert" (3/4), and the mountainous areas of the East in "alert" (2/4).

Useful details

• Charan zone: transition to "crisis" (level 4/4) — only priority uses are allowed: drinking water for the population, drinking animals, civil safety, public safety and certain agricultural uses.
• Guiers-Chartrouse, Combe de Savoie-Val Gelon and Lac du Bourget-Albanian areas: passage in "enhanced alert" (level 3/4).
• Areas Flon-Aiguebelette, Beaufortain-Val d'Arly, Tarentaise and Maurienne: passage or "alert" maintenance (level 2/4); mountainous areas had so far benefited from snowmelt.
• In Haute-Savoie, the territory of the Cheran has been in "crisis" since the 1st August; the Savoyard part is in turn changing in the middle of the week (update of the 27/08/2026).
• The measures apply regardless of the resource (drinking water, well, drilling, private source), with the exception of rain-recovery waters; they are based on the 7 June 2023 Dry Framework Order.
• Controls will be carried out throughout the department; the prefect calls on everyone to respect the restrictions and to be vigilant about the risk of fire.