Map of water table levels in France on 1 July 2018.
© BRGM
Water table levels on 1 July 2018 were uneven across different regions.
More than half (58%) of all groundwater tables were at moderately high to very high levels while a fifth of them (20%) were at moderately low to very low levels. The remaining ones (22%) were at average levels. This confirms the significant impact of rainfall that continued late into the spring. Except in certain areas, it can be noted that the water tables are generally above the levels usually observed at the start of summer.
Trends in water table levels
The general trend in water table levels reflects the progressive transition to low-water levels, although a quarter (24%) of the points monitored are still rising, which is quite exceptional for this early summer period. The number of points where levels were tending to drop decreased slightly to 56% on 1 July, compared to 61% on 1 June. This situation represents the summer low-water period. The June rains were primarily of benefit to the vegetation, but also contributed to higher levels in some areas.
The status of the water tables on 1 July 2018 reflects the gradual transition to the low-water period, which is typical at the start of the summer.
