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Nature131 words1 min read

French Town Asks People to Save Water After Drought Worsens

A man walking down a street next to tall buildings
Photo by Jasper Garratt on Unsplash
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Listen to the story

A town in Haute-Savoie, France, has a big problem. There is not enough water. The town leaders say "the situation is serious." They are asking people to use less water right now.

France is having a drought. This means there is very little rain. The drought is getting worse in Haute-Savoie. Rivers and small streams need rain to stay full.

One river is called the Usses. Some small streams that flow into it are already dry. Because of this, the river is now at "crisis" level. This is the most serious level for water problems.

The town wants people to stop wasting water. People can use less water for showers, gardens, and cars. Local leaders say everyone must help now. They hope this will stop things from getting worse.

Vocabulary4 words

serious
very bad; important
drought
a long time with no rain
consumption
how much of something people use
immediately
right now; with no delay

Quiz

1. Where is the town with the water problem?
2. Why is there a water problem?
3. What level is the Usses river at now?

Fill-in-the-blank listening

Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.

A town in Haute-Savoie, France, has a big problem. There is not enough _____. The town leaders say "the situation is _____." They are asking people to use _____ water right now.

France is having a _____. This means there is very little rain. The drought is getting _____ in Haute-Savoie. Rivers and small streams need rain to stay full.

One river is called the Usses. Some small streams that flow into it are already _____. Because of this, the river is now at "_____" level. This is the most serious level for water problems.

The town wants people to stop _____ water. People can use less water for showers, gardens, and cars. Local leaders say everyone must _____ now.

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