France sees half its groundwater below normal, 37 departments in crisis

The Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM) reported that on 1 July 2026, 54 % of France’s groundwater tables were below normal and 93 % of underground water reserves had fallen compared with a month earlier. The record‑heat June 2026, the hottest on record, drove intense evaporation and a surge in water demand for drinking, irrigation and other uses.

VigiEau’s platform shows that 36 departments are classified in a “crisis” state, while a total of 97 departments are under some level of restriction, including 37 in crisis, 19 on reinforced alert and 18 on alert. Restrictions target garden watering, car washing, pool filling and agricultural irrigation, with fines up to €3,000 for violations.

Minister of the Ecological Transition Monique Barbut warned that the situation could force water rationing and impact agriculture and the economy. BRGM hydrologist David Ratheau described the groundwater drainage as “intense” and “severe” due to the deficit of effective rainfall and high temperatures.