Water distribution zones (ZRE) — France as a whole

A water distribution area (ZRE) is an area comprising basins, sub-basins, aquifer systems or fractions thereof characterised by a lack, other than exceptional, of resources in relation to needs. The ZRE are defined by Article R211-71 of the Environmental Code and are fixed by the Prefect of the Basin Coordinator. The decree adopted by the county prefects concerned translates the ZRE into a list of municipalities. This decree is the founding legislation of the ZRE. In an EBZ, the thresholds for authorisation and reporting of samples in surface water and groundwater are lowered. These provisions are intended to enable better control of water demand in order to ensure the best possible preservation of aquatic ecosystems and the reconciliation of economic water use. In an EBZ, water abstraction above 8 m³/h is subject to authorisation and all others are subject to reporting.