Groundwater levels remain high in France but summer drought still possible

More than half of France’s water tables are at an above average level heading into summer, but authorities have not ruled out the possibility of droughts in the coming months. 

Groundwater in the south – both the south-east and south-west – as well as much of the north were above normal average, states France’s Geological and Mining Research Bureau (BRGM) in its latest report (published May 14).

However, around 27% are at lower-than-average levels, particularly in the north-east and east, Brittany, Normandy, and especially in the Pyrénées-Orientales, where groundwater levels remain critically low. 

This is typical for the time of year, asspring rainfall fills up underground reservoirs but is rapidly consumed by emerging vegetation. 

Is the north-east facing drought risk?

Authorities are quietly optimistic that rainfall over the autumn, winter, and spring has been sufficient to prevent widespread droughts this summer, especially as the areas usually impacted in the south are recording above-average water levels.

However, parts of the south do not have access to deep water tables (covered by mostly permeable rock) so get their water from sources such as mountain run-off, making them more susceptible to warm summers.

A comparative lack of rainfall in the north-east and east in recent months may see drought conditions emerge here as opposed to the south this summer. 

This will particularly be the case if rainfall in the area remains low, as the majority of summer rain is used up by ground level vegetation and rarely penetrates far enough to replenish water tables. 

This is why the risk of a drought cannot be conclusively ruled out this early into the summer period.

In all cases, the droughts are considered unlikely to be as severe as those recorded in 2022 and 2023.

Check conditions near you

If water tables do begin to fall significantly – or weather conditions in areas without access to them remain exceptionally warm and dry – drought conditions are likely to be declared. 

Unlike several other warnings – usually carried out at a departmental or regional level – drought conditions are declared on a commune by commune basis, with rules differing depending on issues such as if water is mostly used for irrigation or home use, or where the water is coming from (water table, river, etc).

Drought conditions can come with a limit on how water is used, both for farmers and homeowners.

For the latter, this can include limits on filling up swimming pools, cleaning cars, watering lawns and gardens, and at the most extreme levels a limit on all but essential water usage. 

You can check drought conditions in your location using the official VigiEau drought website, by putting in your address. An interactive map showing restrictions is also available.

Alerts and restrictions are shown for both professional and personal use, as well as whether they apply to water from the tap, or collected from local streams.

Read our recent article to find out more about VigiEau.