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France unveils nationwide plan to save water

  • France unveils nationwide plan to save water

France’s President Macron has announced a plan to tackle water scarcity, focused on sharing, reusing and saving water, informs Euronews.

Last summer France, as well as most of Europe, experienced an unprecedented drought, and this winter the country went without any rain for a record period of 32 days. Agriculture is the largest water user, with almost 60%; other uses are drinking water with 26%, industry with 4%, and the remaining 12% which goes to cooling nuclear power plants.

While farmers call for more reservoirs to ensure water availability for irrigation, there is strong opposition from environmental groups, and last week a demonstration against the construction of a reservoir ended up with violent clashes.

The proposed plan includes some 50 measures targeted at different sectors: energy, industry, tourism, recreation, as well as individuals. "In the face of change, there are necessary constraints, we must explain them, share them and make each and every one aware of their responsibilities", said the president.

Water leakage causes big losses, up to half of the water in some towns, with an average of 20% for the country. An emergency fund worth 180 million will be allocated to address leakage and upgrade water networks where it is most needed. Additional investments are foreseen to adapt the cooling systems of nuclear power plants. Macron also announced a water reuse target of 10% of all wastewater by 2030.

To encourage individuals and businesses to save water, progressive tariffs will be introduced to make water more expensive for those that use most, after the basic needs are met. Moreover, a new app will provide information to residents on water use in their area once it reaches critical levels.

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