Every morning, between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m., the public body that manages the river and its tributaries takes stock of the water levels needed for the day.
Garonne levels are historically low compared with the past thirty years. This drop is explained by the combined effects of this summer's droughts and heatwaves.
The river's persistent drought is leading to the extension of water releases from Pyrenees reservoirs. The situation is unprecedented for this time of year.
These decisions take into account the weather and the needs for drinking water, industry and agriculture.
The dams were fortunately well filled by last spring's rainfall.
Managers are now working to maintain the possibility of carrying them out until the end of November.
The only solution is to request water releases from EDF dams in the Pyrenees.
The cost reaches 50,000 to 100,000 euros per day when large amounts of water are destocked for the Garonne.
Normally, these water releases are provided between July 1 and October 31.