The département is experiencing an unprecedented drought, leaving some communes without drinking water. In response to the pressure on this essential resource, the Ministry of Ecological Transition made a number of announcements on Wednesday

Drought in the Pyrénées-Orientales: Minister Christophe Béchu presents a water resilience plan

Since 2022, the Pyrénées-Orientales have been experiencing intense drought, reflecting a drop in rainfall and an increase in evaporation due to global warming in the Mediterranean basin. In response, the French Minister for Ecological Transition, Christophe Béchu, announced a ‘resilience plan for water’ in Canet-en-Roussillon on Wednesday 22 May. ‘Your region is experiencing a unique situation in France, a record drought and an unprecedented crisis’, he said.

An ambitious plan led by Christine Espert

The plan, led by Christine Espert, a former candidate in the 2017 legislative elections in the département, includes seven major projects to adapt the region to the increasing scarcity of water. The Minister emphasised the aim of ‘turning fragility into strength’ by transforming the Pyrénées-Orientales into a model for innovative water management solutions.

Significant financial support from the State

The State will allocate a minimum of €10 million to co-finance the plan, covering up to 50% of the projects. In addition, the Minister for Agriculture, Marc Fesneau, will mobilise resources from the Fonds Hydraulique Agricole, and Caisse des Dépôts will offer ‘Aqua prêts’ to support investment in sustainable water management.

Seven projects for rapid adaptation

Among the seven projects, the Canet-en-Roussillon wastewater treatment plant will be adapted to support agricultural irrigation and the reuse of urban wastewater. Two other similar projects will be carried out in Argelès-sur-Mer and Saint-Cyprien. Other initiatives include securing irrigation networks in the Agly basin and optimising water use for arboriculturists using solenoid valves equipped with connected meters. The Perpignan canal, essential for irrigation since the 14th century, will be modernised, and work will be undertaken to renovate the outdated drinking water networks in Ille-sur-Têt.

Reducing drinking water losses and managing water abstraction

Christophe Béchu also announced work to reduce drinking water leaks, with priority support for the municipalities worst affected. He also stressed the need to better regulate water abstraction, by opposing unauthorised drilling and promoting the installation of remote reading meters for real-time management.

Financing studies for the future

The plan includes funding for studies to extend the Aqua Domitia aqueduct as far as Perpignan and to secure the use of water from the downstream Têt river. Another study will look at the creation of an irrigation network in the Aspres for agriculture and fire safety.

Readjustment of water tariffs

The Minister also announced an unavoidable increase in water rates in the Pyrénées-Orientales, which are currently 25% lower than the national average. This increase is necessary to finance investment in infrastructure and avoid future shortages.

Since the 19th century, the average global temperature has risen by 1.1°C as a result of human activities using fossil fuels. This rapid warming threatens our future and biodiversity, but solutions do exist, such as renewable energies and reducing meat consumption. Find out our answers to your questions about the climate crisis.