Local and collective analysis of water and its use

With Mathieu Goriaux, Research Engineer at the Water and Environment Laboratory (LEE), Université Gustave Eiffel, and Tiphaine Hinault, Director of CPIE Logne et Grand-Lieu.

Pesticides and phytosanitary products, global warming and successive periods of drought... The quality and quantity of potable water have become a veritable environmental and public health issue for communes. In Machecoul-Saint-Même, a commune of approximately 7,600 residents, there is a concerning presence of contaminants in water from the water table.. Launched at the initiative of the Water and Environment Laboratory (LEE), Université Gustave Eiffel, the QUEPEP project (Quality and Use of Rain and Well Water) undertook two sampling campaigns to establish a detailed diagnosis aimed at fully evaluating this issue. Samples were taken from the gardens of commune residents who volunteered to join the study, in 2021 and 2022.

The scientific approach was co-constructed with the Permanent Centre for Environmental Initiatives (CPIE Logne et Grand-Lieu), an association that works with citizens and public stakeholders to support rural development around environmental issues, including water quality. Under a multi-year objective agreement, the association has been supporting Machecoul-Saint-Même for several years in various awareness-raising actions, specifically regarding the potable water catchment area. Every year, the association also organises “Welcome to My Natural Garden”, a national event organised by the National CPIE Union. Over two days, amateur gardeners share their techniques with the general public for an environmentally friendly garden.

Dossier text written by Kogito Agency following an interview with the project co-leaders.