Map of water table levels in France on 1 October 2020.
© BRGM
Groundwater depletion continued through September and the levels of most water tables have fallen. The periods of rainfall in September only had an impact on certain reactive water tables in the southern part of the country. The levels in these water tables has stabilised.
A large part of western France is still benefiting from last winter's abundant recharge, so the situation in September remained satisfactory in this area. Water table levels are particularly high in Corsica, around the Mediterranean coast and in the Aquitaine basin. The state of the water tables in eastern France is poor, with low to very low levels in the Grand-Est, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Limousin regions. These areas have experienced low recharges over several consecutive years.
In October, there should be a reverse trend in reactive water tables and the situation could therefore improve. Passive water tables should remain on a downward trend or stabilise, but the situation is not expected to change significantly.
