Residents told not to drink tap water in flood-hit western France

France 24

by FRANCE24

February 19, 2026

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Residents told not to drink tap water in flood-hit western France

Residents in flood-affected areas of western France have been advised not to drink tap water due to concerns over contamination. The regions impacted include Loire-Atlantique and Maine-et-Loire, where heavy rainfall has caused widespread flooding. Authorities have issued a tap water advisory, urging residents to use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth until further notice. The flooding, exacerbated by weeks of persistent rain, has overwhelmed local infrastructure, including water treatment facilities. This has led to the contamination of water supplies with agricultural waste, debris, and chemicals from overflowing waste sites. The situation highlights the challenges faced during extreme weather events in managing public health risks. Local officials have emphasized the importance of following the advisory to prevent potential health issues, such as gastrointestinal illnesses. The government is working to restore water quality and has mobilized resources to distribute bottled water and ensure access to safe drinking supplies. This measure underscores the vulnerability of communities to climate-related disasters. The incident also raises broader concerns about the impact of climate change on public health infrastructure. As extreme weather events become more frequent, the need for robust emergency responses and resilient systems becomes increasingly critical. This situation in France serves as a reminder of the global challenges posed by environmental crises.

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Originally published on France 24 on 2/19/2026