France Imposes Water Rationing In Seven Out Of 96 Departments - Reuters

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PARIS - France imposed water rationing in seven out of its 96 mainland departments on Thursday amid fears of a summer drought.

The farm ministry said several departments -- administrative units similar to English counties -- were already suffering from a rain deficit.

"Successive drought periods over the last few years, combined with above-normal temperatures, require vigilance and anticipation," the farm ministry said in a statement.

Three departments where the ministry imposed curbs were around Paris. One was in west-central France and the other four in the southeast, the ministry said.

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