Paris: Groundwater levels in France remained below seasonal averages at 61% of monitoring points as of Sept. 1, with levels falling at 90% of points in August, the French Geological Survey (BRGM) said Tuesday. 'The situation of groundwater remains largely degraded due to the lack of effective rainfall in August and continued high water demand for various uses,' stated BRGM.

According to Anadolu Agency, the share of monitoring points with below-average groundwater levels was higher than a year earlier, when 44% were below their monthly averages. Groundwater levels were stable at 8% of monitoring points in August, while 2% recorded an increase. The decline was more pronounced than in August 2025.

The BRGM attributed the continued decline to a lack of effective rainfall since May, more pronounced drought, and high temperatures since June, as well as summer water withdrawals. By the end of August, 39% of monitoring points had satisfactory groundwater levels, meaning they were slightly above or around their seasonal averages.

The lowest groundwater levels were recorded in the Limousin bedrock aquifers, the Jura limestone aquifers, and the northern Alsace plain. Among more responsive aquifers, levels remained relatively high in the Vistrenque formations, while levels in the Armorican bedrock and Aquitaine Basin had fallen to low levels.

The BRGM indicated that autumn rainfall could help replenish groundwater reserves, but uncertainty remained about its distribution and effectiveness. It added that lower withdrawals for irrigation and drinking water as summer demand declines would reduce pressure on groundwater resources.