50% less rain, this is the report drawn by Météo France for the 2021-2022 charging season. The recharge season is the period between September and March during which the rain infiltrates the ground and fills the water tables. Usually, 660 millimeters of water falls during this period in the Alpes-Maritimes. This season only 333 millimeters have been counted. On top of that, there has been very little snow, so the melting will not feed the waterways.
Already worrying levels…
The consequence of this exceptionally dry year is a very low groundwater level, already dry rivers and a dam lake which risks not filling up completely. These indicators mark almost 3 months aheade compared to usual levels.
… and no improvement in sight
Cécile Guyon, service division manager at Météo France is not very optimistic for the future: “There our forecast models for the spring trend is 50% drier than usual, 25% normal, and 25% wetter. So the preferred scenario is even more drought“. To improve the situation, it should rain moderate amounts (around 30 to 40 millimeters) several times a month, but this is not what is expected. Aggravating factor: “the recharge period is behind us“, now the plants will monopolize the water resources, and the water tables will no longer be able to fill up.
The Prefecture decides to anticipate
The Prefect has decided to sign a drought “vigilance” decree. This means that there are no formal restrictions yet, but that the prefecture strongly encourages the people of the Riviera to be very careful with their water consumption, to delay the critical drop in groundwater levels as long as possible. Pascal Jobert, Departmental Director of Territories and the Sea gives the instructions: “These are the usual recommendations, do not let the water run, keep only essential uses, and then perhaps more surprisingly: check your water meter! Always make sure there are no leaks.”
For now these are simple tips, but there will probably be restrictions later. The next level of alert could be reached as early as the next few weeks.