Published
Video length: 2 min
Drought: groundwater tables display reassuring levels
Drought: groundwater tables display reassuring levels
(France 2)
After the numerous sequences of rain in recent months, groundwater tables have filled up in many regions. The issue of drought nevertheless remains a concern for the coming summer.
A dry land with a few puddles of water. A year earlier, the water tables were at their lowest and Lac du Broc, in the Alpes-Maritimes, was almost empty. Today, it has regained its original colors, because the winter rains have replenished the water tables. On March 1, only 36% of water tables were below the normal level, compared to 80% in 2023. Most French regions were affected by drought, which is now concentrated in part of Occitanie.
Water restrictions not excluded during the summer
The situation therefore remains delicate, especially since spring marks the end of groundwater recharge, as vegetation grows back. “The plant needs water, it will recover water, particularly in the soil,” explains Éric Sauquet, hydrology researcher at INRAE. Despite positive signals, we must therefore remain cautious, water restrictions are not excluded next summer.
