Heat wave: water deficit in groundwater

The state of the water tables continues to deteriorate and is becoming worrying over most of the country. “Levels are below monthly normals and should, barring an exceptional rainfall event, continue to fall until next October-November”, deciphers Violaine Bault, hydrogeologist at the Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM), which operates a network of 1,600 sensors in the territory. The lack of rain this winter did not allow satisfactory groundwater recharge. The drought was felt in some regions as early as January, three months ahead of schedule.

Consequence: historically low levels in Provence, Côte d’Azur and in the south of Drôme, where the shortage has been raging for two years, as well as in Poitou-Charentes, Maine, Vendée and Touraine. “Certain sectors of these regions are in high demand for agricultural irrigation, which came earlier than usual this year”says the head of the National bulletin of groundwater situation. Whether…