Water distribution zones (WZ) - whole France

A Water Distribution Area (WDA) is an area consisting of basins, sub-basins, aquifer systems or fractions of them characterized by a lack, other than exceptional, of resources in relation to needs.

The ZREs are defined by Article R211-71 of the Environment Code and are set by the Prefect coordinator of the basin.
The decree adopted by the prefects of the department concerned translates the ZRE into a list of municipalities. This decree is the founding regulatory text of the ZRE.

In an EEZ, the thresholds for the authorisation and reporting of abstractions in both surface and groundwater are lowered. These provisions are intended to allow a better control of water demand, in order to ensure the best preservation of aquatic ecosystems and the reconciliation of economic uses of water. In an EEZ, water withdrawals greater than 8m3/h are subject to authorization and all others are subject to declaration.