French groundwater levels are recharging across the country with the end of October seeing 43% of water tables above average, with 35% below (compared to 46% and 31% respectively in September).
Water tables in eastern and northern France, especially around Paris, recorded above-average levels, with much of the south, and west seeing typically normal levels for the season.
Pockets of northern France, Brittany, and central areas all saw below average levels however.
In the south of France around Perpignan, levels remain very low as they have for several years.
This is compared to last October, where more than 70% of groundwater levels were above average.
However last year saw heavy rainfall throughout the spring whereas this year levels are more comparable to other datasets from previous years.
A dry beginning to October had led to concerns that groundwater levels would remain below average, however several periods of rain, particularly in the south, saw replenishment begin.
Autumn is an important season for groundwater recharge, as rains permeate through soils to reach underground aquifers.
Rainfall in the warmer months usually struggles to break through this layer, meaning even extended summer rains do not recharge water tables.
Many authorities imposed water restrictions this summer, aiming to prevent water waste and keep levels at an acceptable amount.
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This is likely to be repeated in future years, even if water levels remain at average levels, to prevent severe and long-lasting droughts in the event of lower than average rainfall.
The full report from the Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières can be found here.
