Since 2021, a prefectural framework for water resource management for the rivers of the Ain department and their accompanying water table Drainage Maintenance Services has been in place. This sets, during low water periods, the river flows or groundwater levels from which measures of vigilance, restriction, then the prohibition of pumping are decided by the prefect to protect natural habitats. and life in the waterways.
In 2021, the framework decree of the Drainage Maintenance Services department of Ain was significantly modified to be consistent with the ministerial circular of May 18, 2021, relating to exceptional measures to limit or suspend the use of water in times of drought.
A few adjustments related to feedback from the 2011 summer period were also made in 2012 to this framework order.
In 2020, it was modified to take into account elements from an orientation/framework note from the Drainage Maintenance Services. Thus the framework decree in force dates from 1 June 2020.
To remove the difficulties in understanding certain restrictive measures provided for by this decree and to take into account the requests made by user representatives, it is necessary to make, in 2019, a few adjustments concerning:
• modification of surface water management basins,
• modification of groundwater management basins,
• adaptation of restriction measures following comments made during the 2018 and 2019 drought periods.
Applicable texts
211-3 II-1° of the Environmental Code
To provide the means to ensure balanced and sustainable management of water resources, and in the application of Article L. 211-3 II- 1° of the Environment Code, State services may take measures to limit or temporarily suspend the use of water, to deal with a threat or the consequences of accidents, drought, floods or risk of shortage.
211-66 of the Environmental Code
The general or specific measures provided by 1° of II of Article L. 211-3 to deal with a threat or the consequences of accidents, drought, floods, or risk of shortage are prescribed by the order of the department’s perfect. They can impose water storage or removal operations. In this case, the order setting of the operation is brought to the attention of the operator by any means appropriate to the circumstances.
These measures, proportionate to the aim sought, can only be prescribed for a limited, possibly renewable period. As soon as the flow of water supply conditireturnsturn to normal, the prescribed measures are ended, if necessary gradually. These do not preclude the options for compensation provided by the laws in force.
211-67 of the Environmental Code
The prefect of the department, when the area is entirely within the same department, or the prefects of the Drainage Maintenance Services concerned when the area includes a territory extending over two or more departments, may designate, by decree, an alert zone, for a sub-basin, basin or group of basins corresponding to a coherent hydrographic unit, in which they are likely to prescribe the measures mentioned in 211-66.
