France is running dry. Repeated droughts in the south and west have pushed the country into a state of growing water stress. But the solution isn’t just in pipes and pumps – it’s in people, data and behaviour.
At Advizzo, we believe demand-side management is the key to preserving France’s most precious resource. Here’s how data, behavioural science and our customer engagement platform can help French utilities make a real difference – starting now.
France’s water crisis: A growing concern
France is facing a new climate reality. Groundwater levels are dropping. Rivers fed by snowmelt are running low. And once-reliable rainfall patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable.
- In 2022, France experienced the worst drought in its recorded history. Over 100 municipalities ran out of drinking water.
- In 2023, the country saw 32 days without a drop of rain in winter – the driest since 1959.
- As of May 2023, 68% of groundwater reserves were below average.1
- Renewable water resources have dropped by 14% in just 10 years.1
These changes are already triggering water shortages, building damage from shrinking clay soils and massive agricultural losses. And if no action is taken, according to a report published by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) economic damage could hit €2.5 billion in the Île-de-France region alone by the end of the century.2
Plan Eau: Ambition meets urgency
In March 2023, President Macron’s Plan Eau set out bold objectives:
- Cut national water usage by 10% by 2030.
- Invest €180 million in leak detection and pipe upgrades.
- Allocate €500 million annually to accelerate water system modernisation.
The plan focuses on three pillars: water use sobriety, resource availability and water quality. But while infrastructure is a critical piece of the puzzle, there’s one area still underutilised: citizen engagement.
The engagement gap
French utilities have made great strides installing smart meters. But the value of those meters is being lost in translation. The data is there, but customers can’t access it, understand it or act on it.
Here’s where the current approach falls short:
- Limited digital platforms: Most utilities lack apps or portals that turn consumption data into useful insights.
- Underused data: Valuable smart meter data isn’t being fully analysed or used to drive behaviour change.
Advizzo: Turning data into action
Our SaaS platform helps utilities unlock the power of their smart meter data to drive measurable reductions in water use – by changing customer behaviour.
How it works:
Hyper-personalised engagement
We deliver tailored usage reports and comparisons with neighbours, plus custom water-saving tips. All driven by behavioural science.
Real-time digital tools
Our intuitive platform gives customers visibility and control. They can track consumption, get alerts, and explore personalised insights across web, email, and print.
Behavioural nudges that work
We help customers form lasting habits through smart, timely prompts based on proven behavioural techniques.
Stronger customer satisfaction
Our platform enhances the customer journey with proactive, transparent communication, reducing complaints and boosting trust.
Operational and regulatory benefits
Advizzo helps utilities monitor engagement, optimise campaigns and meet regulatory targets, all while improving operational efficiency.
A global solution for a national crisis
From the UK to the US, Australia to Italy, Advizzo has successfully partnered with forward-thinking water companies across six continents to deliver real results. Our approach consistently delivers meaningful reductions in water consumption while improving customer satisfaction and utility operations. We’ve shown time and again: when people are informed, empowered and engaged – they consume less water.
The time to act is now
As France confronts its water crisis, the solution requires more than infrastructure upgrades. By combining smart meter data with behavioural science insights, French water utilities can drive the customer engagement needed to achieve significant conservation goals.
Advizzo stands ready to help France’s water providers transform their customer relationships and make meaningful progress toward the ambitious targets set by Plan Eau. Together, we can ensure sustainable water access for generations to come.
The data is there. The challenge is clear. Let’s help your customers make every drop count.
Ready to learn how Advizzo can support your water conservation initiatives? Contact us today.
Source ref