The main principles

You and us at the heart of the process

What is a « hydrographic basin » ?

Basins exceed regional borders and correspond in Metropolitan France to rivers and their tributaries. It is the territory which shares the same natural resources and in which all rain water flows and converges, through a network of rivers, finally discharging into the sea.

What constitutes water in good status ?

Water in good status enables the perpetuation of human, animal and plant life. It contains no toxic elements. It is available in sufficient quantity for everybody.

What is the SDAGE ? What is the programme of measures ?

The "Schéma Directeur d'Aménagement et de Gestion des Eaux" (SDAGE - Masterplan for the development and management of water resources) is a document setting out the objectives for improvement in the quality of rivers and water over a 6-year period. It is drawn up by the basin committee.

The programme of measures, drawn up by the Prefect of the basin for the same period, contains the actions enabling attainment of the objectives set out in the SDAGE.

What is the basin committee ?

It is made up of 100 local decision-makers including elected members of local authorities, business managers, representatives of the agricultural, industry, consumer organizations, for nature conservation, and civil servants. Its role is to design the SDAGE for the basin. It votes on water agency’s programme of actions. It implements funding (fees and grant) within the framework established by the law. In Metropolitan France, there are seven major hydrographic basins with a basin committee and a water agency. A similar organisation exists in Overseas France.

The basin committee entrusted the water agency with the organisation of  the public consultation process.

Schema Dir Amngmt Eau

SDAGE : Overall outline for the organization of the development and management of water resources