After a particularly dry summer in 2026, with 80 days without significant rainfall, preserving water resources has become essential. Saint-Etienne Métropole, in collaboration with its 53 communes, is rolling out an awareness campaign to highlight simple daily actions for reducing water consumption.
Recommendations include: not letting water run while showering or brushing teeth, using the half-flush on toilets when appropriate, running washing machines and dishwashers only when fully loaded, and avoiding pre-rinsing dishes before loading the dishwasher. Promptly identifying and repairing any leaks is also advised.
For watering gardens, it is recommended to do so early in the morning or in the evening to minimize evaporation. Techniques such as collecting rainwater, using water-saving devices like drip irrigation or ollas, and mulching are also encouraged.
The City of Sorbiers is also adapting its practices by implementing an 'intelligent' watering system in partnership with SIEL – TE. These good habits adopted today can make a difference tomorrow.
