The hot and dry summer in France is causing problems for mineral water producers. Volvic, for example, is having to take measures to protect its water source. Vittel and Perrier are also facing issues concerning their water sources.

The hot and dry summer has had a significant impact in France. Rivers and groundwater reserves have come under pressure, and farmers in many areas have faced restrictions on water use. Agriculture has also been affected: French wine production is expected to be 17 percent lower this year than in previous years.

Mineral water producers are also noticing that less water is available. Several springs used by the well-known sparkling water brand Perrier have already been taken out of service. Drought is not the only factor involved; the quality of the spring water is also playing a role.

At Volvic and Vittel, the heat is causing less rainwater to replenish underground water reserves. Danone, the company that owns Volvic, says it has invested €38 million in measures to ensure that mineral water can continue to be extracted from that source.

For the time being, the situation does not mean that these brands will disappear from store shelves. However, producers will have to manage the sources from which their water originates more intelligently.

This will also remain important in the future: according to the French meteorological service Météo-France, the country's soil was still exceptionally dry at the end of September.

Source: nu.nl, Wednesday 28 October 2026

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