Pontarlier urges water conservation as drought risks remain

The drought has put Pontarlier’s drinking water at risk, with officials considering widespread cuts if supplies worsen.

The town of about 18,000 people is in the Haut-Doubs region of eastern France, where water reserves have been unusually low after months of limited rain.

Residents, businesses and farmers have been asked to reduce their water use, and measures have included closing the municipal swimming pool and the Saint-Point lake dam gates.

Their efforts have cut daily water consumption in the Pontarlier area by about 500 cubic metres, from an average of 4,000.

Recent rain has helped ease the pressure slightly, but has not recharged underground reserves enough to restore normal conditions.

Officials say continued rain over a long period is needed, so they are urging people to keep conserving water.

Longer-term plans include new wells, links between existing wells and work on the Saint-Point dam to strengthen future water supplies.