France faces water resource assessment as drought crisis continues

The French geological survey, BRGM, has announced it will present a comprehensive report on the state of groundwater reserves across France on September 8, 2026. This assessment follows the summer season and will provide critical data on the levels of aquifers, which supply approximately two-thirds of the nation's drinking water and one-third of its agricultural needs.

In the Meurthe-et-Moselle department, authorities have decided to maintain a 'crisis' level of drought management. Despite recent rainfall, the prefect, Yves Séguy, noted that water flows remain low, with nearly 80% of reference stations reported as dry. This decision follows a meeting of the departmental drought committee to evaluate soil moisture, vegetation dryness, and river flow levels.