Key Development - Tap Water Consumption Ban Following Severe Weather in Ariège

Following heavy rainfall in Ariège last weekend, water treatment plants were overwhelmed by mud-laden water. The distributed water could not be properly treated and disinfected and was therefore more or less cloudy. Given that the water was unsafe to drink, the Prefect of Ariège issued a ban on drinking tap water for 34 municipalities, affecting approximately 20,000 residents of Ariège. The Prefect of Ariège is coordinating the actions carried out by government agencies, the regional health agency, and water distribution unions, particularly the distribution of bottled water and the organization of water supply from alternative sources in certain areas. Extensive information (press, posters, etc.) has been disseminated to affected residents. Cleaning, flushing, and disinfection operations are underway. The ban on drinking the water will remain in effect until test results return to normal and turbidity levels drop to regulatory standards (which was well underway as of Thursday, November 10).