France Places 37 Departments on Red Heatwave Alert While Water Systems Meet Higher Summer Demand

Le Monde reported that water usage across France rose between 10% and 50% in June compared with the same period in 2025. The increase forced already strained infrastructure to operate at full capacity while underground reserves and rivers declined. During the week of June 22 to 28, Vendée Eau distributed an average of 206,000 cubic meters of water per day.

Director Denis Guilbert said the figure was 25% higher than the volume recorded two weeks earlier. Such volumes are typically reached only later in summer during peak tourist season. On July 12, Vendée and 36 other departments in mainland France were placed on red heatwave alert.

Guilbert stated that all Vendée Eau plants are running at maximum capacity. "Temperatures are rising again, so we're under pressure once more," he said. " Reservoirs have recorded significant drops in levels, partly because higher temperatures increase evaporation.

The utility continues to face added demand from both residents and visitors.