French National Hydrological Situation Bulletin of the 12th August 2025

Every month, the Hydrological Situation Bulletin (BSH national) published by OiEau describes the state of water resources in mainland France during the previous month (precipitation, soil moisture, snow cover, river flow and dam levels, groundwater levels) with maps and an analysis of the situation.

• It is the result of collaboration between various data producers and managers:
• Météo-France for meteorological data (precipitation, soil moisture, snow cover);
• the DREAL(1) basin authorities and the Vigicrues service (formerly SCHAPI (2)) for data on river flows and dam fill levels (in collaboration with other national actors, such as EDF(3), VNF(4) and EPTBs (5) such as Seine Grands Lacs and Loire);
• the BRGM for groundwater levels. This data is produced ten times a year, which explains why it is not included in some bulletins;
• the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB) for observations on low water levels (between June and October).

Key information for July 2025 in France:

• In July 2025, France experienced contrasting hydrological conditions, with marked drought in the centre and south, particularly in the Massif Central and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions.
• July's rainfall had little impact on groundwater levels, which continued to fall at 88% of monitoring points.
• After a scorching start to the month punctuated by a few thunderstorms, a series of disturbances swept across the country in much cooler conditions during the second half of July.
• Topsoil is drier than normal to exceptionally dry across much of France.
• As of 15 July 2025, 74 departments are subject to water use restrictions beyond the alert level, with 34 departments having implemented crisis measures.

1 Direction régionale de l’environnement, de l’aménagement et du logement
2 Service central d’hydrométéorologie et d’appui à la prévision des crues
3 Électricité de France
4 Voies navigables de France
5 Établissement public territorial de bassin

The National Hydrological Situation Bulletin is produced every month under the auspices of an editorial committee composed of various contributors (data producers and managers), led by the International Office for Water (OiEau), in conjunction with the Water and Biodiversity Directorate of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Solidarity, and the OFB, which also provides financial support for its publication.