The proximity network of CMA Nouvelle-Aquitaine conducted a survey among the region's artisanal businesses regarding their relationship with water. The study, based on 228 responses with 198 analyzed, highlights varied situations: medium to critical dependence for 57% of active businesses, yet the issue remains secondary for nearly one in two artisans.
Facing repeated droughts, particularly during the summers of 2025 and 2026, when New Aquitaine and departments like Gironde and Charente-Maritime were severely affected by water restrictions, the strain on water resources is becoming concrete for some artisans. Climatologists document a national scarcity, the regional worsening of which is yet to be fully measured.
The results show a direct correlation between businesses' exposure and their perception of urgency: no critically dependent business considers water secondary, while 78.8% of those with low dependence believe it is not a priority. Similarly, 78.6% of critically dependent businesses anticipate a future impact of water on their activities, compared to only 14.1% of those with low dependence.
Among businesses for whom water is not a priority (46% of respondents), energy costs rank highest among concerns (24%), ahead of the general economic climate or customer acquisition. Additionally, 17 respondents stated they are not concerned by the issue.
The 57 businesses that have initiated actions prioritize rainwater harvesting (tanks, collectors) and changes in daily practices (limiting flow, reducing washing). Water-saving equipment and reuse of employed water follow.
The 50 businesses that have integrated water into their strategy face difficulties, including the structural dependence of their activity on the resource, the inadequacy of recycling or recovery solutions, and managing waste. 59 businesses anticipate a future impact, mainly citing rainwater harvesting and daily sobriety, but also concerns about resource quality and availability.
The most frequent request to public authorities concerns aid for rainwater harvesting and storage (15 responses). This is followed by distrust of public action, calls for better maintenance of existing infrastructure, and for increased soil greening.
The survey, conducted by the Data Marketing Department of CMA Nouvelle-Aquitaine, identified 63 distinct topics from 363 open-ended responses.
