They bristle the hair of ecologists who see in them the encouragement of a “devastating and unsuitable agro-industrial model”. However, storage basins are part of the solutions that France needs to deal with the occasional lack of fresh water.
In a recent well-argued report, the Academy of Technologies recalls the issues. France is faced with a significant risk of shortage, as shown by the year 2022, marked by the mobilization of tanker trucks and the drying up of rivers. And our country has not yet taken the measure of the difficulties to come. In this context, surface storage has its place, provided of course that it is carried out correctly.
A quick reminder of good practices: the basins would be supplied in “buffer” aquifers in the winter period, so as to preserve the reserves located deeper. The process would be precisely controlled by sensors. Photovoltaic panels could be deployed above the basins, in order to limit evaporation… “If these conditions are met, then this type of storage does not pose a problem”, assures a spokesperson for the Academy.
Unfortunately, it will not be enough. To better manage its fresh water, France will also have to go through other unpopular measures such as the installation of meters among farmers – an experiment is planned for 2024 – or the multiplication of hill reservoirs. New controversies to come?