In France, the earth is thirsty.

Following the summer droughts, the majority of groundwater tables continued to empty in September and even if the rainy season is approaching, it is necessary to maintain the limitation of water consumption to prepare for 2023, warns this Thursday the Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM).

“Even if it is slowing down, the emptying continues over a large part of the territory, with a majority of groundwater falling” in September, affirms the French public geological establishment in its monthly bulletin.

A worrying situation in Provence

“Many aquifers still show unsatisfactory levels, from low to locally very low” and the situation is “particularly worrying” in Provence.

“The start of the recharge period seems to be looming and the trends in the water tables should gradually reverse in the coming weeks”, hopes the establishment.

Less affected, the south and east of France, where "the levels are rising or stable", but "only on the watered sectors sheltering reactive aquifers", warns the establishment.

The concern comes rather from the 2022 low water level, that is to say the low point of the water, which “is particularly severe on the water tables, with the exception of the southwest.

The BRGM notes "levels at the start of winter that are significantly lower than those of last year" and warns: "The only solution to preserve the state of the water tables (…) and prepare for the year 2023, is to limit withdrawals.

Which means, consume less water.

After a record rainfall deficit in spring and summer, France is facing a historic drought with multiple consequences, particularly for agriculture and electricity production.

Despite the return of significant rainfall at the end of September, “the share of rain infiltrated at depth remains low due to very dry soils and the consumption of this water by vegetation.

“And to add:” Abundant and long rains will be necessary in the coming months and until spring in order to reconstitute the reserves in the long term.

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