Syndicat Mixte Du Bassin De L'agout

What Syndicat Mixte Du Bassin De L'agout does

Syndicat Mixte du Bassin de l'Agout (SMBA), operating under the trade name EPAGE Agout, is a French public territorial establishment (établissement public territorial de bassin) responsible for integrated water management, flood prevention, and aquatic environment protection across the 3,500 km² Agout river basin. Founded in 1995 as SMIRITA and renamed SMBA in 2002, the syndicate obtained EPAGE recognition in 2018 and now covers 99.7% of the basin, encompassing 187 communes across the Tarn, Hérault, Haute-Garonne, and Aude departments. Its core deliverables include the SAGE Agout (Schéma d'Aménagement et de Gestion des Eaux), multiple Plans Pluriannuels de Gestion (PPG), the PAPI Agout 2025-2030 flood prevention program, Natura 2000 site animation, and operational stewardship of more than 4,800 km of waterways. Technical operations rest on a dedicated environmental monitoring network — 84 piezometric sensors, four flood-monitoring stations, thermal probes, and long-running hydrobiological databases — supporting groundwater, surface water, and ecological surveillance.

SMBA serves a defined constituency of institutional members: two departmental councils (Tarn, Hérault) and 14 Établissements Publics de Coopération Intercommunale à Fiscalité Propre (EPCI-FP), who collectively form a 29-seat Conseil Syndical governing the structure. Downstream beneficiaries include communes, farmers, riparian property owners, recreational water users, and protected habitats under European ecological directives. The business model is publicly funded rather than commercial: revenue derives from member cotisations (€0.35/habitant for animation plus €1.25/habitant for the GEMAPI flood competence), supplemented by subsidies from the Adour-Garonne Water Agency, the State, the European Union, and the Départements. Co-financing typically matches member contributions, yielding a multi-million-euro annual operating budget that funds a small in-house technical team (~12–15 staff) and outsourced works contracts for hydraulic infrastructure, river restoration, and wetland rehabilitation.

The organization is not a commercial enterprise and holds no equity, IP licensing revenue, or contracted SaaS/pricing model. Its defensibility rests on statutory monopoly (EPAGE designation), institutional lock-in (compulsory membership under GEMAPI), and accumulated hydrological/ecological data assets. Strategic priorities visible in recent years include expanding the Natura 2000 animation mandate (assumed 2024), executing the PAPI 2025-2030 investment cycle, scaling agricultural support schemes (PSE), and deepening partnerships with the Chambre d'Agriculture du Tarn, ONF, and departmental councils.

Name

Syndicat Mixte Du Bassin De L'agout

Legal name

Syndicat Mixte du Bassin de l'Agout

Website

https://bassin-agout.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

French public EPAGE managing the 3,500 km² Agout river basin across 187 communes; delivers integrated water management, flood prevention, and aquatic-environment protection, funded by member cotisations, water-agency subsidies, and co-financed investment programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Water Management and Basin Authority Services

NAICS

Administration of Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste Management Programs (924110), Water Supply and Irrigation Systems (221310)

SIC

Water Supply (4941)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Resources Administration (Watersheds, Rivers, Groundwater) (BPAIAMAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Water Resources & Watershed Protection (BPAGAGAK)

Keywords

• River basin management
• Flood prevention services
• Wetland conservation
• Watercourse management
• Ecological continuity restoration

Headquarters

HQ city

Labruguière

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership fees / Cotisations: Annual membership fees from 16 member structures (2 departments and 14 EPCI-FP) comprising approximately 187 communes. Fees are set at 0.35 euros/hab BV for the 'animation' competence and 1.25 euros/hab BV for GEMAPI competence. Personnel costs represent 75% of the operating budget, funded approximately 50% through member contributions after subsidies.
2. Government subsidies and grants: Annual co-funding from Agence de l'Eau (50% on GEMAPI and animation except SAGE at 70%), Région Occitanie (20% on certain studies and biodiversity/GEMAPI-related work), Département du Tarn (10% except on flood works), and State/FEDER/FEADER (on investment only, particularly within PAPI framework). The organization is also a laureate of the 'Restauration des zones humides de tête de bassin versant' call for projects since 2021.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Syndicat Mixte du Bassin de l'Agout (SMBA) is a French public water management authority (EPAGE - Établissement Public d'Aménagement et de Gestion de l'Eau) that provides integrated river basin management services for the Agout watershed. The organization manages 4,800+ km of watercourses across 187 communes, delivering GEMAPI (watercourse management and flood prevention), SAGE Agout (basin water planning), PAPI Agout 2025-2030 (flood action program), multi-year river management plans (PPG), Natura 2000 site animation, wetland monitoring and conservation, ecological continuity restoration, and agricultural support programs. Services are funded through member cotisations and government subsidies from Agence de l'Eau, Région Occitanie, Département du Tarn, and State/FEDER/FEADER.

Product overview

Syndicat Mixte du Bassin de l'Agout (SMBA) / EPAGE Agout operates as a public water management authority providing integrated river basin management services. The organization offers a comprehensive portfolio centered on GEMAPI (aquatic environment management and flood prevention), SAGE Agout (water planning), PAPI Agout (flood action program), and multi-year management plans (PPG). Supporting services include Natura 2000 site animation, wetland monitoring via piezometry, thermal tracking of watercourses, flood surveillance networks, building vulnerability assessments, ecological continuity management, agricultural support programs, and public education initiatives. The organization manages 4,800+ km of watercourses across the 3,500 km² Agout basin serving 182 communes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• GEMAPI (Gestion des Milieux Aquatiques et Prévention des Inondations) Water management and flood prevention service covering basin planning, watercourse maintenance, flood defense, and protection of aquatic ecosystems and wetlands. Provided to member intercommunalities and departments through transfer or delegation of competency.
• SAGE Agout Schéma d'Aménagement et de Gestion des Eaux - a local water planning and management tool for the Agout basin, currently under revision. Establishes water management objectives and rules over the 187 communes of the basin.
• PAPI Agout 2025-2030 Programme d'Action et de Prévention des Inondations - a comprehensive flood prevention and management program covering 7 axes and 33 action sheets. Addresses flood risk through structural works, monitoring, vulnerability reduction, and crisis management.
• Plans Pluriannuels de Gestion (PPG) Multi-year river management programs for various sub-basins including Agout aval, Bagas, Thoré, Durenque, Sor, Dadou, and Gijou, with 5-10 year validity periods. Defines programmed maintenance and restoration interventions.
• Natura 2000 Animation Animation and management of the Natura 2000 site Vallées de l'Agout et du Gijou, a 5,725 ha European ecological network site spanning 41 communes. Includes advising project holders, species monitoring, public information, invasive species control, and agro-environmental measure monitoring.
• Suivi piézométrique des zones humides (Wetland groundwater monitoring) Wetland groundwater monitoring service using 84 piezometric sensors across 42 wetland areas to evaluate hydrological role and climate change impacts. Includes 8 piezometers at La Salesse peatland and 12 at Lacaune RBD peatlands.
• Suivi thermique des cours d'eau (Thermal monitoring of watercourses) Thermal monitoring of watercourses using temperature recording probes (thermographs) installed at 4 sites across the basin to track water temperature during summer months and assess impact of work on aquatic life conditions.
• Diagnostic de vulnérabilité des bâtiments (Building vulnerability diagnostics) Building vulnerability diagnostics for flood risk assessment. Subsidies cover 80% for residential, 70% for communal, and 40% for business properties.
• Surveillance des crues (Flood surveillance network) Flood surveillance network with 7 monitoring stations on the Durenque and Thoré rivers, providing early warning capabilities for flood events.
• Continuité écologique (Ecological continuity services) Ecological continuity services ensuring free movement of species and sediments in watercourses, including fish passes and obstacle removal to comply with French environmental regulations.
• Accompagnement agricole (Agricultural support) Agricultural support programs including PSE (Payments for Environmental Services, 5 euros/ha/year capped at 60 hectares), non-productive investments (80% subsidies for fencing, water crossings, half-pipes), and Plan Pluriannuel Agro-Environnemental (PPAE) partnerships.

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Chambre d'Agriculture du TarncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Long-standing partnership for the Plan Pluriannuel Agro-Environnemental (PPAE) covering 56 communes on Sor-Agout sub-basins. Jointly provides technical support, diagnostics, and 80% subsidized equipment (fencing, water crossings) for farmers to protect wetlands and watercourses. The partnership also supports Environmental Payment Services (PSE) for the Agout upper basin and Gijou watershed.
• Fédération Départementale des Chasseurs du Tarn (FDC 81)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partnership under the PPAE (Plan Pluriannuel Agro-Environnemental 2023/2025) for habitat improvement, water quality, and biodiversity. FDC 81 performs pond/mare restoration work. SMBA provides technical support including hydrological site analysis, regulatory dossier drafting (Loi sur l'eau), tree clearing, and replanting/bank renaturation. Joint projects include the restoration of the mare des Touzailles in Palleville.
• Arbres et Paysages TarnaiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the PPAE for tree and hedgerow planting projects. Contributed to joint site visits with elected officials and collaborated on the Lake Miquelou renaturation project (planting of tree groves and riparian vegetation).
• Office National des Forêts (ONF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the 'Restauration des zones humides de tête de bassin versant' call for projects since 2021. ONF carries out ecological restoration work on state forest wetlands (La Salesse peatland, Lacaune RBD peatlands). SMBA manages the associated piezometric monitoring network (84 sensors across 42+ sites) in coordination with ONF restoration actions.
• Parc Naturel Régional du Haut LanguedoccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the AForACCT (Adaptation de la Forêt du bassin versant de l'Agout pour faire face au Changement Climatique Territorial) program for sustainable forestry and climate adaptation. Jointly reviews and selects project applications for forest management aid with CNPF and SMBA.
• Centre National de la Propriété Forestière (CNPF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical and financial partner in the AForACCT program for private forest owners. CNPF, PNR du Haut Languedoc, and SMBA jointly evaluate and select forest management project applications, including riparian forest restoration, wetland restoration, reforestation, natural regeneration, and stream crossing improvements.
• CPIE des pays tarnaisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical partner in the fight against Invasive Exotic Species (EEE), particularly Japanese Knotweed on the Dadou river at Pont de Lalande. CPIE carries out planting of competitor species (willows, dogwoods, ash trees) as part of an annual management protocol of 6 removal campaigns.
• Conservatoire d'Espaces Naturels d'Occitanie (CEN Occitanie)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical partner for Natura 2000 site monitoring and management. Collaborates on species monitoring (pearl mussel monitoring with bathyscope), volunteer assistance for willow cutting projects, and biodiversity conservation actions.
• Association des syndicats de bassin versant Tarn AveyroncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe SMBA is a member of this basin association, providing access to a shared cartographic water database and technical support from 2 cartographers and 1 'water and urban planning' mission officer. The association also coordinates the EAU (Eau Aménagement Urbanisme) mission supporting SCOT and PLU(i) development.
• Fédération du Tarn pour la Pêche et la Protection du Milieu AquatiqueminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in organizing the annual 'Fish in Tarn' fishing festival event for public education on ecological continuity and river habitat. Collaborates on river renaturation projects including ripisylve planting on the Sor river (parcours des Charrettes, Sémalens) with AAPPMA de Sémalens.
• EPAGE VIAURminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighboring EPAGE within the Tarn-Aveyron basin association. Intervened at the first steering committee of the Natura 2000 site 'Vallées de l'Agout et du Gijou' in December 2024, as one of the 4 GEMAPI structures within the '5 Vallées' Natura 2000 network.
• Réseau31minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWater and sanitation authority (maître d'ouvrage) for the Revel wastewater treatment plant extension. Delegated to the SMBA the execution of compensatory environmental measures (mineral recharge, fish rescue) for the Sor river renaturation project (2023-2028).
• Fédération Départementale de Pêche de la Haute-GaronneminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in fish rescue operations during Sor river renaturation works. Conducted electrical fishing to relocate fish before mineral recharge works at the Revel wastewater treatment plant outlet.
• Centre d'Enseignement et de la Protection du Milieu (CPE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on wetland conservation projects including mare restoration with the FDC 81. The SMBA assists with technical understanding of site hydrology, regulatory dossier preparation, tree clearing and replanting.
• Bassin Tarn-Aveyron partner structurescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative network including EPAGE VIAUR, Tarn Aval, Tescou, Dourdou, Association Tarn-Aveyron, Aveyron Amont, Cerou, Lemboulas, and Tarn Amont. SMBA is part of the broader Tarn-Aveyron basin association coordinating GEMAPI implementation across the wider watershed.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• SMAGE des Gardons: Syndicat mixte managing the Gardons watershed in Gard/Occitanie, with a closely analogous PAPI-driven flood-prevention mandate and rural intercommunal membership model. Useful benchmark for southern French basin-scale coordination.
• Syndicat Mixte du Bassin de l'Or (SMBL Or): Regional syndicat mixte managing the Bassin de l'Or (Hérault, Languedoc) for coordinated water management, flood prevention, and wetland protection — geographically adjacent to the Agout basin and serving a similar rural Languedoc/Occitanie membership base.

Broad incumbents

• EPTB Seine Grands Lacs: Major public water authority operating large reservoir infrastructure for flood mitigation and low-flow support across the Seine basin; shares the public-establishment governance model and delegated water-management mandate, but at substantially larger scale and asset intensity.
• EPTB Garonne (Institution Adour-Garonne restructurée): Public basin authority coordinating water management on the Garonne system, including flood prevention, hydrological monitoring, and SAGE/PAPI-style programming; comparable as a multi-departmental EPAGE/EPTB structure in southwestern France.
• EPTB Loire (Établissement public Loire): Large-scale public basin authority for the Loire river, operating at a much broader national-significance scale but exercising the same GEMAPI, PAPI, and SAGE-type functions across a multi-regional membership base.
• EPTB Charente (Institution Interdépartementale pour l'Aménagement du fleuve Charente et de ses affluents): Public basin authority for the Charente watershed, delivering coordinated water management, flood prevention, and ecological continuity services across multiple departments — a structurally similar public-establishment peer for benchmarking.

Direct peers

• EPTB Dordogne (EPIDOR): Public river basin authority for the Dordogne watershed, similarly tasked with coordinated watercourse management, flood prevention (PAPI), and ecological continuity across a multi-departmental rural basin.
• EPAGE de l'Arve: EPAGE of comparable size and structure managing the Arve river basin in Haute-Savoie, exercising the same GEMAPI competence mix and operating a similar multi-year PPG and flood-risk program portfolio. Closest functional analog to SMBA in scope and regulatory category.
• EPTB Saône-Doubs (Établissement Public Territorial de Bassin): Public basin authority administering water resources and flood prevention across the Saône-Doubs watershed, with a comparable multi-departmental membership structure, delegated GEMAPI competence, and reliance on Agence de l'Eau co-financing.
• EPTB Vidourle: Smaller-scale basin syndicate managing the Vidourle river in Languedoc, with a comparable focus on flood-risk prevention, multi-year river management plans, and intercommunal GEMAPI competence transfer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC8srefUkqyRGYDr7kiBmxaQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/syndicatagout

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Syndicat Mixte Du Bassin De L'agout