France: After two years of drought, most of the country's groundwater is recharging

2023-11-14T23:03:31.173Z

Highlights: After two years of drought, most of the country's groundwater is recharging. It has never rained as much in 20 days in France as in late October-early November. Waterspouts that are causing many concerns, especially in the north. But they have at least one advantage: after nearly two years, the groundwater recharge season has only just begun. It will end in the spring, but the Mediterranean region remains rather dry, with water deficits of around 70% in some cases.

It has never rained as much in 20 days in France as in late October-early November. Waterspouts that are causing many concerns, especially in the north of the country with the floods that are affecting...

France: After two years of drought, most of the country's groundwater is recharging

It has never rained as much in 20 days in France as in late October-early November. Waterspouts are causing many problems, especially in the north of the country with the floods affecting the Pas-de-Calais, but which have at least one advantage: after nearly two years of drought, most of the country's groundwater is recharging.

A man walks down a flooded street in Estrée as the Canche River overflows near Montreuil-sur-Mer after days of heavy rains causing flooding in northern France, Nov. 10, 2023. REUTERS - PASCAL ROSSIGNOL

By: RFI Follow

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The rainfall pattern has changed completely in France. The first half of October was dry as in summer, the end of the month corresponds more to a winter situation.

This is particularly true in the East and on the Atlantic coast. They even spill over into the north of the country. A surplus of water that contributes to the ongoing floods.

On the other hand, the Mediterranean region remains rather dry. The replenishment of groundwater is therefore far from optimal, with water deficits of around 70% in some cases. One of the reasons for this is that the soil remains dry, unlike the rest of the country. The few rains did not manage to penetrate deeply. This phenomenon is marked to the extreme in cities, which are totally impermeable. The rains only run off without any effect on the water table. This phenomenon can be observed, for example, in the Paris basin.

Despite this contrasting picture, the situation is still clearly improving after a drought of nearly two years in France. Especially since the groundwater recharge season has only just begun. It will end in the spring.

" READ ALSOFrance still concerned by drought

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France: After two years of drought, most of the country's groundwater is recharging

France: After two years of drought, most of the country's groundwater is recharging

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