On March 28, 2025, French Minister of Ecological Transition Agnès Pannier-Runacher unveiled a government roadmap aimed at improving drinking water quality in France.

Pannier-Runacher acknowledged the urgency of the water quality crisis, emphasizing the need for a transformative approach to protect water sources.

A significant concern highlighted is the contamination of water with pesticides, with 53% of surface waters and 39% of groundwater in France affected.

A report released in November 2024 indicated a general failure in preserving water quality against pesticides, calling for stricter protection measures.

Since 1980, over 30% of water sources have been closed due to pollution, with only 1,500 out of 33,000 sources currently secured.

The roadmap focuses on enhancing protection for water catchment areas, where raw water is extracted for treatment and distribution.

Initial discussions with local stakeholders are planned before summer 2025 to protect the most sensitive water catchments.

Local stakeholders, including sanitation operators, local authorities, farmers, and industry representatives, will collaborate to find territorial solutions.

The government advocates for early investments in prevention to avoid exorbitant future costs related to water treatment.

The Ministry plans to define sensitive water extraction points by the end of 2025 and allocate €6.5 million for protective measures against contaminants.

Pannier-Runacher plans to leverage biodiversity credits and expand 'aqua loans' from the Caisse des dépôts to better protect water catchments.

Pollution and climate change are straining water resources, leading to increased treatment costs and challenges in making water potable.