The groundwater levels in France on August 1 are "globally much lower" than those of 2018 at the same time, said Tuesday the Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM). He fears further degradation.
Less serious than in July 2017
While the spring rains failed to offset the rainfall deficit recorded during the autumn and winter of 2018-2019, heat waves and the absence of summer precipitation accelerated the drop in levels. Thus, on 1 August, groundwater levels are "generally below the average levels of July" and "globally much lower than those of the year before at the same time", even if the situation is "less degraded than that of July 2017, "said the BRGM in its monthly bulletin.
With the exception of Corsica, most aquifers (Alsace, Burgundy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, south of Center-Val-de-Loire) have "unsatisfactory levels, low to very low and sometimes close to the minima registered for a month of July ". This monthly report does not take into account the precipitation recorded at the beginning of August by Météo-France on almost all regions, with sometimes even locally "abundant" rainfall accumulations in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and in the North-East.
A little better in August?
Nevertheless, the total precipitation forecast for August "should not lead to a recharge of groundwater", according to the BRGM, which notes that these rains, often related to violent storms, would generally not have the ability to infiltrate to the tablecloths. "In the absence of sufficient rainfall in August, intensifying soil drought, water demand may remain high, and the water table situation could deteriorate rapidly on the less drought-resistant aquifers and in areas with less favorable conditions. "warned the Bureau.
The two episodes of heatwave in June and July, particularly intense, have aggravated soil drying: 83 departments are now affected by water restrictions.