The water situation in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques remains concerning. The department, like the rest of France, is facing a significant drought, exacerbated by repeated heatwave episodes. Rainfall over the past four months has been low, with overall accumulations around 150 millimeters. Weather forecasts for the next fortnight do not predict significant rainfall, except for a slight accumulation of 10 to 15 millimeters expected this weekend.
Since Tuesday, July 28, all distribution units (UDI) in the Basque Country have been on enhanced alert. The UDIs of Aussurucq, Etchebar, Hasparren, Haux, Lichans-Sunhar, Souraïde, Tardets-Sorholus, and Trois-Villes have been in crisis since Monday, September 28. The situation remains critical with very low water levels, necessitating measures to limit non-essential uses and ensure the supply of drinking water.
Regarding precipitation, the months of June, July, August, and September show a significant deficit, with a 61% decrease compared to the average of the last forty years. Forecasts from Météo France indicate low rainfall for the end of this week and next week.
Temperatures remain above seasonal norms, with six heatwave periods recorded since the end of May. A drop in temperatures is, however, announced for next week.
Drinking water resources are at very low levels. Consumption has decreased since mid-August across all distribution units of the Communauté d'Agglomération Pays Basque, but the flow rates of various drinking water sources have also significantly diminished since the end of August. A water barometer is available on the agglomeration community's website.
