The French feel that the wind is coming, that of a summer that is hotter and drier than in previous years. The entire department of the Alpes-Maritimes has already been placed on drought alert until at least April 30, the department’s prefecture announced, highlighting in a press release a “worrying situation” marked by “significant stress on the water resource “.
DIY stores are experiencing an unusual increase in sales of water reduction systems. “The news is necessarily there because of something with possible water restrictions in certain departments,” explains Katia Hersard, marketing director of the ManoMano site, specializing in the online sale of DIY products, to BFM Business.
Sales are rising sharply for all the products that allow you to consume less. Sales of rainwater collectors, faucet aerators, adjustable shower heads have been up sharply for several weeks and continue to grow, forcing distribution networks to plan stocks.
112% increase since March 1
In physical stores, sales also rise very sharply. Since January, at Leroy Merlin, sales of water collectors have increased 75% and 112% since March 1.
The chain of stores has accumulated stocks to ensure the progression of this demand.
ManoMano carefully scrutinizes stocks so as not to risk a breakout.
Rural zones
Other cost-saving systems are also under pressure. Sales of fixtures, such as faucet aerators, are up 31% since January and 50% since early March. Pumping systems, drip irrigation and all other accessories increased by 30%.
At ManoMano there is a strong demand for cisterns equipped with a double button that allow water savings of up to 60%.
This fever is particularly visible in rural areas.
Small budgets for big savings
The budget to reduce water consumption varies. It costs about 200 euros to install a 500-liter recuperator in your garden with accessories. The price of a 100-liter tank starts at 150 euros, but it is necessary to plan at least 2,000 euros for a 5,000-liter underground tank.
On the other hand, a shower nozzle can cost less than $10 and aerators start at $5 for kitchen taps and $2 for bathroom taps. But despite these very affordable prices, the savings are significant.
As for the recuperators, the economy will depend on the use. “If it is to supply the toilets, it is an average saving of 30 liters of water per day, or 20% of the water consumption in the home. If you water your garden or if you wash your car, it is 6% of the consumption of the house average consumption of water that is saved”, specifies Leroy Merlin.
Matthieu Pihéry estimates the savings between “30 and 40% of your annual water consumption for water collectors”. With a water-saving shower head, it would be around 50%.
government water body
The drought that is beginning is both “unprecedented” and worrying, estimates the Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM).
The groundwater levels of all of France are at the end of the winter “degraded” and below normal, which suggests a probable drought in the coming months, estimates the BRGM, which calls for vigilance.
The government’s plan to improve water management will be published “within a few days” and will be “very comprehensive”, promised Ecological Transition Minister Christophe Béchu.
Source: BFM TV
