Half (50%) of the groundwater tables were at moderately high to very high levels while less than a quarter (23%) were at moderately low to very low levels. The winter recharge period is over.
14 June 2018
Map of water table levels in France on 1 June 2018

Map of water table levels in France on 1 June 2018. 

© BRGM 

Water table levels on 1 June 2018 were uneven across regions. 

Half (50%) of the groundwater tables were at moderately high to very high levels while less than a quarter (23%) were at moderately low to very low levels. About one quarter (27%) were at average levels. This confirms the significant incidence of the rainfall at the beginning of the year, which continued later than usual. With the exception of a few areas, it can be noted that groundwater levels across a large portion of the country benefited from a much-needed recharge due to the rainfall from January to May. 

Trends in water table levels 

The general trend as regards the change in the water table levels reflects the end of the winter recharge period. We are now moving into the low-water period. The number of points where levels were tending to drop increased sharply, to 61% on 1 June compared to 39% on 1 May. This reflects a gradual transition to the low-water period. The winter recharge period is over; rains in May essentially benefited the vegetation. 

The status of water table levels on 1 June 2018 reflects the end of the winter recharge period and a gradual easing into the low-water period.