Zone of distribution of waters (ZRE) in Metropole

A Water Distribution Area (WRA) is an area comprising basins, sub-basins, aquifer systems or fractions thereof characterised by a lack of resources, other than exceptional, in relation to the needs. The ERAs are defined by Article R211-71 of the Environmental Code and are fixed by the Basin Coordinating Prefect by a decree, the list of municipalities included in a water distribution area (ZRE_BH/SA) is established by prefectural decree published in the Prefecture’s administrative acts (Article R211-72), here referred to as ZRE at the municipal boundaries within a department. As a result, there are two layers of ZRE: — a layer at river basin boundaries/aquifer system — a layer with communal boundaries within a department ZRE with boundaries of river basin/aquifer system (ZRE_BH/SA). The decree issued by the department prefects concerned translates the ZRE into a list of municipalities. This decree is the founding regulatory text of the ERA. In an ERA, the thresholds for authorisation and reporting of samples from surface water and groundwater are lowered. These provisions are intended to enable better control of the demand for water, in order to ensure the best preservation of aquatic ecosystems and the reconciliation of economic uses of water. In one ERA, water withdrawals greater than 8 m³/h are subject to authorisation and all others are subject to reporting.