This is notably more than at the beginning of May (when 61% of water tables saw levels dropping), and more than at the start of June in 2024.
The monthly study by the Bureau de recherches géologiques et minières (BRGM) however points out that 46% of water tables have higher than average levels. Although this is lower than in June 2024 (70%), the BRGM deemed it ‘satisfactory overall’.
Geographically, Brittany, the east and parts of central France all have lower than average levels.
The critically low water table levels that have plagued the Pyrénées-Orientales for several years persist.
Elsewhere, Paris and Normandy still have average to high levels, as do the south-west and the south-east of France.
The map below shows the nationwide status as of June 1.
Is there a risk of a summer drought?
Higher than average levels of spring rain in areas that usually face droughts – mostly the south of France – led to quiet optimism at the start of summer that a repeat of the widespread droughts seen in 2022 and 2023 would be avoided.
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While this is still likely to be the case, the low water levels in the east and parts of the north – themselves caused by low levels of rain in these areas over the previous months – mean some drought alerts are already in place in these areas.
The alerts bring with them a range of restrictions, from bans on topping up or filling swimming pools to washing cars and watering plants.
Even if there are bouts of rainfall during the summer, these are usually consumed by plants and vegetation at surface level, with little seeping down to replenish groundwaters. Water tables are usually refilled during autumn and winter rains.
