Monaco is stepping up efforts to address growing pressure on its water resources as prolonged heatwaves and increasingly dry conditions continue to affect the Principality and the wider Côte d’Azur…
Speaking on Monaco Info, Société Monégasque des Eaux (SMEaux) CEO Manuel Nardi said the Principality’s six natural springs now provide less than a quarter of Monaco’s annual water needs, a significant decline from historical levels.
The remainder of Monaco’s supply comes from neighbouring Alpes-Maritimes, which is also experiencing severe drought and rising demand. As a result, SMEaux has launched a public consultation to better understand residents’ awareness of water challenges and gather ideas for future conservation measures.
The anonymous survey asks participants about their understanding of water issues, their concerns for the future and their views on possible solutions. Nardi said the initiative aims to help shape long-term policy as climate change continues to place greater strain on regional water supplies.
Alongside encouraging more responsible water use, authorities are exploring ways to increase available resources. These include identifying new water sources, restoring previously abandoned supplies such as the Annonciade spring, expanding the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation and public services, and studying desalination. While desalination could provide additional capacity, Nardi stressed that its environmental impact, particularly the discharge of brine into the Mediterranean, would require careful consideration before any decision is made.
Image: Monaco Info