Groundwater levels: some departments already in crisis mode

Spring has not got off to the best of starts. After insufficient rainfall in autumn and a record 32 consecutive days without rain at the end of winter, groundwater levels are at an all-time low. March's rainfall failed to catch up. Admittedly, the overall rainfall deficit for the year is only 9% for the whole of France. However, the effects of the historically hot and dry summer of 2022 on groundwater and soils are clearly having a delayed effect.

Levels are low

The latest bulletin from BRGM, which gives an overview of the water table situation in France as of March¹, shows that the vast majority of groundwater levels are moderately low to very low. Only the western Pyrenees, the western part of Normandy and the north of France escape the rule, with levels close to average, without being considered high. At the beginning of March, only six of the thirty-five or so underground reserve zones listed showed an upward trend.

The driest spots in France

Deep drought in Occitanie - With a record 97 days without rain between October 1 and March 14, Occitanie is already under restriction. The Gard, Hérault, Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales regions are particularly hard hit, experiencing deep, surface drought. Producers in this wine-growing region are anticipating maximum water stress.

Critical situation on the Mediterranean rim - This geographical area is 60% below normal rainfall between October¹ and March 14, 2023. In addition to the challenges posed to agriculture, this exceptional situation increases the risk of vegetation fires.

Ain and Isère at record lows - Both départements have been placed on drought alert, and Ain is already subject to water restrictions. Isère may soon follow suit.

What are the consequences for the rest of the growing season?

As for certainties, groundwater reserves will remain at low levels in 2023, synonymous with irrigation restrictions. We'll need to consider the impact on a case-by-case basis, make appropriate rotation choices, anticipate yield losses and consider how to manage crop watering at key stages and wherever possible.

On the uncertain side: all eyes are on the weather forecasts for the coming months. Further dry spells would mean widespread water stress, which would be highly problematic in areas already under stress. The situation will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. For the time being, however, this is not the scenario anticipated for the country as a whole. After a generally surplus March, April should be close to normal, and May could be very rainy with little sunshine. If these projections are confirmed, immediate water requirements over this period would be met, but the combination of rainfall and lack of sunshine would increase the risk of disease, both in field crops and arboriculture. In all cases, adaptability will be the sinews of war.