Widespread water restrictions imposed across Europe due to severe drought

Persistent heatwaves and record-low rainfall have triggered emergency water restrictions across major parts of Europe in August 2026. France has implemented crisis measures in 67 administrative departments, prioritizing essential services like healthcare and drinking water, while imposing bans on swimming pool filling, car washing, and lawn irrigation.

In England, 71.3% of the territory is currently experiencing drought, affecting approximately 45 million people. July 2026 was recorded as the driest month on record, with some areas, such as the Isle of Wight, reporting no rain for 59 consecutive days. The situation is exacerbated by temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius.

Beyond France and England, the environmental crisis extends to the Danube River, which has dropped to its lowest level since 1996, disrupting agriculture, transportation, and energy production in countries like Hungary and Romania. The Netherlands has declared a national water shortage, and seven Greek islands in the Aegean have declared a state of emergency. Experts note that these conditions have been intensifying annually, and further high temperatures are expected in the coming days, continuing to strain the continent's water resources.