France is currently facing one of the most severe droughts in its history, with 74 of its 101 departments classified in a "crisis" situation regarding drinking water. This crisis is particularly alarming because, despite a rainy winter that should have replenished water sources, the drought has broken records in both intensity and duration. Hydrogeologist Luc Aquilina warns that if such extreme conditions become more common in the future, the country's drinking water supply could face a "very critical" situation. The drought has had a significant impact on France’s rivers and groundwater. Nearly half of the country’s rivers have either partially dried up or experienced flow breaks, and 61% of groundwater levels are below their usual monthly averages, according to the Geological and Mining Research Bureau. This is largely due to a combination of prolonged heatwaves this summer, where temperatures often reached or exceeded 30°C, and a 40% drop in precipitation compared to normal levels. The unusual movement of air masses has also reduced rainfall coming from the Atlantic, further worsening the situation in regions like Brittany. Even though the winter rains had filled groundwater to capacity, the lack of rain in spring and the high temperatures in May led to a rapid depletion of water resources. This has forced some communities to implement emergency measures, such as distributing bottled water or temporarily cutting off water supplies. The agricultural sector has also suffered greatly, with reports of lost harvests and even the death of livestock due to water shortages. The effects of the drought vary across regions, with Brittany being particularly hard hit despite experiencing high temperatures. In contrast, regions like Hérault have not been classified in a crisis. These differences are attributed to variations in soil types and underground water storage capacity. Brittany, which relies more heavily on surface water, is more vulnerable to drought conditions. Recent rains have not been enough to recharge aquifers, as extremely dry soils are unable to absorb the water, leading to runoff or evaporation. Experts estimate that it could take until October for the soils to rehumidify. The drought has also had a lasting impact on ecosystems, with many small streams and wetlands drying out permanently. This has led to the death of microorganisms and other aquatic life that depend on these water sources. Luc Aquilina stresses the need for a shift in agricultural practices, advocating for less intensive, more localized farming methods that are better suited to the changing climate. He also calls for a focus on improving water quality and adjusting dietary habits to reduce the consumption of water-intensive foods.