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We love water... and together we can preserve it

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Together, let's adopt the right gestures

On the Île de Ré, water is part of our daily lives: it shapes our landscapes, our marshes, our beaches and our gentle seasons. But this precious and limited resource is in great demand in summer. To preserve the island’s fragile balance and encourage more sustainable tourism, find out where the water you use during your stay comes from and what you can do to protect it.

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Drinking water in Charente-Maritime: a precious resource

In Charente-Maritime, drinking water consumption rises sharply with the arrival of fine weather and high tourist numbers.

This pressure can lead to water restrictions, particularly during periods of drought or peak tourist numbers.

But together (residents, visitors and professionals), we can reduce our consumption and preserve this essential resource. That’s what Destination Île de Ré’s commitment is all about: informing, raising awareness and helping everyone to take simple, effective and responsible action.

On the island, access to fresh water is more limited than elsewhere because of :

    • limited resources
    • strong seasonal variations in visitor numbers,
    • occasional pressure on networks,
    • sensitive natural environments (marshes, wetlands, dunes).

Every gesture counts in maintaining this fragile balance.

With a few simple eco-actions, you can save up to 500 litres of water per person in a week* Sources: tests in real conditions carried out by Eau 17 + manufacturer data.

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Accommodation providers, professionals, associations: ask for your communication kit

With EAU 17’s “L’eau, on l’aime, on la préserve” awareness-raising campaign, we’re inviting everyone to adopt simple gestures to preserve a common resource, essential to everyday life, natural environments and tourism.

Request your communication kit now to share practical advice! A free, ready-to-use kit to raise awareness among your visitors and staff.

Where does the water we drink on the Ile de Ré come from?

100% continental water

Contrary to what you might think, no drinking water is produced on the Île de Ré. All the water we use comes from the mainland, most of it from the river Charente, with a small amount also coming from the Vendée.

A journey of almost 70 km to your tap

Before being distributed to our villages, the water follows a long route:

    • It is treated at the production plant near Rochefort.
    • It then travels up to 70 km through a network.
    • All the water passes over the Ile de Ré bridge on its way to the region.
    • It is then stored in 5 water towers across the island, which ensure daily distribution to homes, businesses and accommodation.

It’s a long, sensitive journey, and entirely dependent on the mainland: all the more reason to preserve it, especially during busy periods.

A shared commitment: visitors, residents and professionals

Preserving the water is not just a matter for visitors: it also involves permanent residents, second homes, tourism professionals and everyone who loves the island.

Together, we can :

    • protect a fragile resource,
    • preserve natural environments (marshes, wetlands, dunes),
    • support sustainable tourism adapted to the region,
    • prepare the island’s climate for the future.

Every gesture counts. And every gesture shared counts double.

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©Bqnang2lpo Lucas Deplaine| Lucas Deplaine - Cecile DARS

    How can I save water?

    Simple gestures for a real impact

    Here are a few easy actions to incorporate into your daily life, whether you’re with your family, camping, renting, staying in a hotel or living on the island:

    In the bathroom

      • Prefer showers to baths
      • Reduce the length of your showers: take a 3-minute shower and turn off the water to lather up.
          • 30 litres saved compared with a 5-minute continuous shower
          • 210 litres saved per person over a week
      • Turn off the water when brushing your teeth. Even better, use a glass to rinse your mouth: 3.5 litres saved each time you brush!

    In the kitchen

      • Run washing machines and dishwashers at full load
      • A full dishwasher in eco mode = 30 litres saved per cycle
      • Rinse fruit and vegetables in a bowl, not under running water
      • Avoid letting the water run to cool a drink: use a carafe in the fridge instead.

    At home

      • Report any leaks (taps, flushing toilets)
      • Reuse towels several times, whenever possible

    Out and about

      • Take a reusable water bottle with you and fill it up at the water points provided
      • Be aware of sensitive areas and preserve the natural environment

    These simple gestures, adopted by all, help to preserve a welcoming, gentle and lively island all year round.

    FAQ - Everything you need to know about water on the Ile de Ré

    A sustainable destination

    Tide times
    Weather
    Going on holiday with your pet
    Markets
    Wifi access and printing
    Doctors and health specialists
    Picnic areas on the Ile de Ré
    Sunsets
    Ile de Ré waste collection centers
    When should I take my bin out?
    Bathing water quality
    Frequently asked questions