” The situation is generally very favorablepointed out Violaine Bault, BRGM hydrogeologist, during the presentation of the state of groundwater at the 1.this one May 2024 65% of levels are above normal. These are the results that are obtained every ten years. » A turnaround compared to last year. Even if certain aquifers – those of the Pyrénées-Orientales and Corsica – maintain lower levels than in April 2023.
Groundwater level and its development on May 1, 2024© BRGM
Depending on the reactivity of the aquifer, the situation varies at the beginning of May: inertial layers can still benefit from the past rains that infiltrate slowly (up to three months); on the other hand, the levels of the most reactive depend on precipitation and plant competition due to vegetation recovery.
Despite this positive assessment, certain areas are still in a difficult situation: 22% are actually below normal, including 4% at very low levels. 13% is comparable to normal. Among the aquifers to monitor are those in the south-west of the Paris basin, South Alsace, the Puys chain, the Saône corridor and eastern Lyon. The situation is worrying in eastern Corsica, the Aude and the Roussillon aquifers (with a lack of recharge for two years).
Article published on May 23, 2024