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Reuters
Seyllans — In Seyllans, in the south of France, the ancient stone fountains are empty and the natural springs are dry, so domestic taps are limited to a strict daily limit thanks to water trucks. Not moved.
As the country, like much of Europe, battles drought and records record temperatures, residents of picturesque villages water their gardens and think nothing of the rain. We used to fill pots, tubs and pools with water, but now we have to do it very differently, the mayor said. Rene Hugo.
"Sometimes there are a few clouds, but there is no water, not a single drop [of rain]," he said as he sat next to a dry fountain.
"We are getting a little desperate because the situation is not improving... (so) everyone has reduced their water usage."
Water usage levels are checked weekly to ensure that all Seiyan households adhere to the limit of 150 liters (33 gallons) per person per day.
Those who have not installed devices to limit the amount and velocity of water in their supply pipes said Eric Martell, water utility manager for the Fayens region, where Sayllant belongs.
And in order for the water to reach the village and other nearby villages, the flow from the network of springs supplying the area must be sufficient to enable its extraction.
"This is an exceptional situation," said Martel, noting that there has been little rain since last fall.
"What we are concerned about is the coming winter and spring. If there is no rain at that time, the situation will be dramatic." (Reporting by Eric Gaillard, Ingrid Melander Written and edited by John Stonestreet)
