A water tank to adapt to drought and climate change
In 2022 and 2023, the Domaine des Courmettes, like many other regions in France, experienced a major water shortage. The spring supplying the estate was no longer sufficient to cover the daily needs of the center and pastoral activities.
This worrying situation prompted many prayers from those who support the estate and share its challenges. These prayers have been answered: in 2024, rainfall was almost two and a half times greater than in the previous year (722 mm in 2023 versus 1702 mm in 2024, and the year is not yet over). Thanks to this abundance, we haven’t suffered any water shortages this year, and the water tables have been able to recover, at least partially.
However, climate change, the effects of which are already being felt, means that water shortages are likely to increase in frequency and intensity in the years to come.
Aware of this reality, we have taken steps to secure the estate’s water supply. A new 200 m³ water reservoir was built, bringing the total storage capacity from 220 m³ to 420 m³. This significant investment was essential if we were to look forward to the coming summers with greater peace of mind. We have also improved safety around the spring’s catchment area by clearing the undergrowth and fencing off the immediate protection perimeter (PPI). This protects the spring from contamination, particularly by animals.
Major work on century-old terraces
The year 2024 also marked the launch of a first phase of renovation work on the estate’s emblematic terraces.
This initial phase involved restoring the southern section and the second floor, in keeping with the unique character of these structures. Work will continue on the rest of the building, subject to the availability of the necessary funding.
See more photos of this year’s work and support Les Courmettes by making a donation.
21/12/24: You can also find a retrospective of the year 2024 at Les Courmettes on the Courmettes website.