Ankara: Authorities in Savoie, France, have imposed a ban on using tap water for drinking purposes in two communities due to elevated uranium levels exceeding the limit set by new European drinking water standards. This directive affects 1,760 residents across the communities of La Chambre, Les Chavannes, and La Chapelle.

According to Anadolu Agency, the issue has already been addressed in La Chambre, where two separate water networks exist, and the network with uranium contamination has been disconnected. In contrast, the prefecture, the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Regional Health Agency (ARS), and the mayors of Les Chavannes and La Chapelle have enforced restrictions on using tap water for drinking, food preparation, and cooking. However, the water remains usable for other household activities such as bathing, showering, laundry, and dishwashing.

The restrictions align with the upcoming European drinking water standards in 2026, which set the maximum allowable uranium concentration in drinking water at 30 micrograms per liter. The ARS clarified that the elevated uranium levels are not due to a new pollution source but are naturally present in the region's underground geology. The introduction of uranium monitoring under the new standards has brought this issue to light.

The health agency emphasized that long-term consumption of water with high uranium levels could impair kidney function. Since late July, La Chapelle has been distributing bottled water three evenings each week, incurring costs of approximately £5,000 ($5,840) over three weeks, according to Mayor Isabelle Quillet. In Les Chavannes, preparations for bottled water distribution are underway following recent water analysis results.

Local authorities, along with the water network operator and state services, are exploring long-term solutions such as water filtration and the establishment of a treatment facility to address the issue sustainably.