dryness
Drought feared in large parts of France
In large parts of France, the groundwater level is worryingly low. photo
© Nicholas Garriga/AP/dpa
Less meltwater from the mountains and overall too little rain: the groundwater level is alarmingly low in many places in France.
According to the authorities’ fears, large parts of France are facing a second drought summer due to a lack of rain. The groundwater level is currently below average in three quarters of the areas and in many cases low to very low, the National Geological Service (BRGM) announced.
After a winter with very little rainfall, plentiful rain in March softened the parched soil and helped the vegetation to start. The groundwater reserves deeper underground, which suffered from the hot and dry summer of last year, have so far been insufficiently replenished, it said.
The authorities fear that the situation will deteriorate quickly if there is no meltwater in the mountains due to little snowfall and there is still too little rain overall. Farmers would then have to start irrigating their land in April, which further lowers the groundwater level. However, periods of heavy rain could delay the start of irrigation and stabilize the situation, at least locally.
President Emmanuel Macron has already called for austerity in view of the water shortage. By 2030, all sectors should use 10 percent less water. Saving is necessary because around 30 to 40 percent less water will be available by 2050 due to climate change. Macron also wants to achieve lower consumption through a higher water price from a certain consumption. In addition, significantly more water than before is to be reused.