French scientists voice concern as two-thirds of water tables at below-average levels

Drought conditions continue across France, with two-thirds of water tables remaining at levels below typical for the season. 

A monthly review of water resources published by France’s national geological survey, the Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM), called the results “very worrying,” with France hoping for ample but calm rain over the coming months.

The report, released on October 8, covers the state of water tables across France up to September 30.

Exactly 66% of observation points across France’s water tables showed below-average levels for the start of the month, compared to 31% in October 2025.

This year’s conditions are mainly a result of low rainfall in September – when a national deficit of 70% compared to usual levels was recorded – following a fierce summer drought.

Late spring and summer months all saw below-average levels of rain combined with intense temperatures from successive heatwaves and expanded use of water resources. 

Groundwater sites continue to see levels drop

“Recharge has begun at only 7% of monitoring sites, meaning that levels remain below normal,” said the BRGM.

“Groundwater levels are falling at 81% of sites [with the remaining 11% stable]. The overall situation is poor and varied.”

Water tables across France are affected, with the worst conditions seen in the east and centre, where some water tables are close to critically low levels.

The 34% of basins at average or above levels are scattered across France, including some south of Paris and across the Loire Valley, and the south-east.

Much of the south-west receives its water from rivers and small waterways, coming from the Pyrénées mountains, and therefore do not have water tables to measure. 

Those that do exist, however, around Bordeaux down to the Pays Basque, are at below-average levels. 

Will rainfall help? 

Since September 30,, many areas of France have seen rainfall return, particularly the south where violent storms have passed along the Mediterranean coastline. 

“There is uncertainty regarding the distribution and effectiveness of the autumn rains needed to re-wet the soil,” said the BRGM. 

Heavy downpours during storms do not effectively moisturise soils, but instead prevent them from being permeable, leading to flooding and keeping groundwater levels low.

What is likely needed is several rounds of non-violent rain, allowing soils to let water pass through a number of times. 

While France is predicted to face a wet rest of the year, rainfall may come largely through powerful storms, preventing aquifers from refilling.

One thing that will help, however, is the reduced strain on water usage. 

“Reduced groundwater abstraction for summer needs (irrigation, drinking water supply) will ease the strain on groundwater resources,” said the BRGM. 

Restrictions on water usage, particularly tap water, remain in place across France as authorities look to ensure the maximum returns from autumn and winter rainfall before another potential round of droughts and heatwaves next year. 

More information on how to check for water restrictions in your commune is available in our article here. 

You can read the BRGM report in French here. If you scroll to the bottom, there is an interactive map comparing the state of water tables in October 2025 and October 2026.