By prefectural decree dated October 27, 2026, the upper Vienne basin has been placed in a drought alert state. This measure, effective until October 31, 2026, directly concerns the municipality of Couzeix, which must implement restrictions on several water uses to preserve the resource.
Restrictions include the prohibition of watering vegetable gardens, lawns, green spaces, trees, and flowerbeds, as well as sports fields and racecourses between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Golf courses are also subject to watering restrictions during the same hours, with a volume reduction of 15 to 30%. Filling and emptying private swimming pools over 1 m³ are prohibited, except for specific exceptions.
Washing vehicles at home is forbidden, as is cleaning facades, roofs, sidewalks, and other waterproofed surfaces, unless carried out by a local authority or a professional cleaning company. Open-circuit ornamental fountains will no longer be supplied, except in cases of technical impossibility. Watering for professional gardening is prohibited from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The supply of drinking water for priority uses, such as health, sanitation, and civil security, is not affected by this decree, unless a specific municipal provision is made. The prefecture urges everyone to adopt water-saving practices and to strictly adhere to the current restrictions.
