Groundwater levels in France remain low, with 74% of areas showing decline. Some regions like Limousin and Brittany face concerning conditions.
Groundwater levels remain low in France
As of October 15, groundwater levels in France are still below average, with 74 percent of areas showing a decrease and 68 percent of monitoring points below their monthly averages, according to the French Geological Survey (BRGM). This represents a slight improvement from October 1, when 66 percent of monitoring points were below average.Regional differences in groundwater conditions
The situation remains concerning in several regions, including Limousin, Grand Est, and Brittany. Reactive aquifers—those that respond quickly to rainfall—in areas like the Morvan basement, Livradois, Forez, and Vivarais, as well as the Limousin plateau, Chataigneraie, and Jura, are showing very low levels. In contrast, the Vistrenque aquifer has high levels, and coastal aquifers in the Roussillon plain have moderately high levels.Some areas show better conditions
The BRGM describes the groundwater situation as good from the Spanish border to the Rhône valley. However, concerns remain in the aquifers of Limousin, Grand Est, and the Brittany basement in the Cotentin and Mayenne regions, where levels are still low.Uncertainty for inertial aquifers
For inertial aquifers—those that take longer to respond to rainfall—the BRGM notes that forecasts are uncertain. If rainfall is not sufficient, it may only meet the needs of plants without replenishing the aquifers. These aquifers are expected to remain near average or moderately low in the coming weeks.Long-term uncertainty and monitoring needs
The Vosges sandstone and Triassic limestone aquifers in Lorraine, which already have very low levels, will need close monitoring. For reactive aquifers from the Spanish border to the Rhône valley, the outlook is favorable in the short term. However, for other aquifers, the long-term forecast remains uncertain, as their levels will depend on upcoming precipitation. A combination of low rainfall, plant needs, and local water use could further reduce levels in already vulnerable aquifers like those in the Massif Central and the Jura.
