A study on a potential water transfer from the Dordogne River in Corrèze to the Charente River basin was presented this week to local elected officials. Launched approximately a year ago, this analysis aimed to anticipate the expected water shortages in the Charente basin, which could face a shortfall of 80 to 100 million cubic meters of water by 2050, according to scientific projections.
Part of this shortfall should be offset by water conservation measures, but approximately 40 million cubic meters of water still need to be found. The local authorities involved have therefore explored the possibility of inter-river cooperation, by collecting surplus winter water from Corrèze and transporting it to Charente.
A complex and very expensive technical project
The study identifies a potential site near the Arpiat bridge on the Dordogne River, where a dam could be built to store approximately 45 million cubic meters of water. This reservoir would then be used to supply the Charente River basin via a network of pressurized pipelines and pumping stations.
Such a system would, however, represent a very high investment, estimated at at least €600 million. At this stage, no decision has been made. The departments concerned are simply mentioning it as one option among others to address the challenges related to climate change and the future management of water resources.
