Following the drought of summer 2022, which continued into winter 2023, the French PresidentOn March 30, 2023, the French President set a target of a 10% reduction in national water consumption by 2030. To encourage them to contribute to this collective effort, the French Secretary of State for Biodiversity, Sarah El Haïry, and the Amorce association launched the "Water for Life" campaign.launched, on September 12 2023 from Châteauroux, the " Défi sobriété -10% water savings " by 2025 for local authorities. The aim is threefold: to mobilize local authorities on a massive scale, to disseminate local best practices and to create a national dynamic in favor of quantitative preservation of water resources within the framework of the Water Plan. "Our water resources are precious. The aim of the Water Plan is to initiate a process of sobriety at local level, involving all stakeholders. By setting an example, public services can play a driving role in the ecological transition. I call on all willing local authorities to join this challenge that we are launching with Amorce", declared Sarah El Haïry.

Inspired by local solutions, the challenge proposed to local authorities consists of ten immediate actions to be implemented in order to reduce water consumption. These actions are complementary and can be adapted to the specific needs of each region, in order to achieve the target of a 10% reduction in water consumption, corresponding to theof water consumption reductions in their buildings and public services, as well as water savings linked to the reduction of water network leakage. These actions will be detailed and illustrated with concrete examples to provide local authorities with the tools they need," explains the Secretary of State.

Presentation of the ten actions to be implemented by local authorities:

1. Take stock of the water consumption of their assets and public services.
2. Mobilize local staff and ensure reliable metrology.
3. Identify and eliminate pre- and post-meter leaks in public assets.
4. Install water-saving and water-recovery equipment for all public facilities, starting with the buildings that consume the most water.
5. Optimize watering systems and implement differentiated management of green spaces.
6. Reduce water consumption in swimming pools and other sports facilities.
7. Save water in the cleaning of public spaces.
8. Optimize water consumption in public water and wastewater services.
9. Install efficient equipment and raise public awareness of water-saving measures in establishments open to the public (ERP) and in schools.
10. Mobilize water utility customers through awareness-raising campaigns and the distribution of water-saving kits.

This challenge relies on Amorce's national network of territories committed to the ecological transition, with the support of the Banque des Territoires and the Agences de l'eau. Its promoters insist that all volunteer communities will be offered ongoing support. Participating communities will be honored at the Amorce Congress, to be held in Toulon from October 18 to 20, 2023.

From December 2023, the first step for communities wishing to take up the challenge will be to take stock of their water consumption. They will then be able to track changes in their consumption and their progress towards the target usingan online tool provided by Amorce, with the support of Ademe and the Water Agencies. A progress review will be organized during the winter of 2024-2025, to share progress and experiences. Finally, an assessment will be made in January 2026 at an event inviting all the local authorities involved in the challenge.

Alongside territories that are pioneers in the preservation of water resources, such as Châteauroux (Indre), the first local authority to take up the challenge, every local authority can participate.Every local authority can take part in the " Défi sobriété - 10 % d'eau " by registering via the following link.

Source: www.weka.fr/