France, Feb. 28 -- Authorities in France's seven major river basins have been told to enforce water restrictions as the government hammers out a crisis plan to tackle a drought exacerbated by the driest winter spell on record.

Ecological Transition Minister Christophe Bechu on Monday met with catchment area prefects tasked with preparing the country for inevitable "water scarcity problems" as ongoing lack of rainfall raises fears of a difficult year ahead.

Water is a precious commodity in France after a catastrophic drought in 2022 saw nearly all departments subjected to restrictions. Meanwhile July, the driest month in six decades, saw drinking water taps run dry in some 100 villages.

Fast forward to February 2023 - when the country h...