Due to declining drinking water reserves, several municipalities in Luxembourg have activated an orange alert against water shortages. On Thursday, Esch-sur-Alzette became the latest to introduce restrictions aimed at reducing consumption.
The new measures prohibit a range of non-essential water uses. These include washing cars outside of professional car washes, cleaning pavements, garages, courtyards and facades, as well as filling or refilling private swimming pools and ponds. The operation of fountains is also banned, unless they function on a closed-circuit system.
Further restrictions target the cooling of food or drinks under running water and the irrigation of meadows, parks, cemeteries, and sports fields – though exemptions apply for newly planted areas.
Specialised businesses that carry out such activities as part of their professional operations are not subject to these rules.
Violations are punishable by fines ranging from €25 to €250.
