Quarries, little-known players in sustainable water management in France

UNPG reveals the role of quarries in preserving water resources

Across the country, quarry operators are actively working to integrate environmental issues into their operations. Quarries, much more than extraction sites essential to regional planning, are proving to be valuable allies in the sustainable management of natural resources.
Indeed, depending on the specificities of the regions, they provide concrete and varied solutions for:

• Preserve drinking water resources by contributing to the recharging of water tables and the preservation of groundwater quality.
• Clean up agricultural water by filtering and purifying water affected by intensive agricultural practices.
• Support agricultural irrigation by storing water and providing an essential resource for agricultural activities, particularly during times of drought.
• Supplying local communities with drinking water through basins.
• Preserve biodiversity and ecosystems by redeveloping them to create natural habitats for local species.
• Fight fires with water reserves quickly mobilized in an emergency.
• Protect against flooding by acting as buffer zones, to absorb excess water during heavy rainfall events.

Concrete examples to illustrate sustainable solutions

To better understand the sustainable solutions implemented, several exemplary projects illustrate how quarries can respond to environmental issues while contributing to the management of natural resources.

Flood control, strategic water storage, flow support during low water periods, hydrological reconnection, creation of wetlands, recharging of water tables, protection of populations and infrastructure, and recovery of mine water are the various services provided to the territories.

The 35 published examples demonstrate how, in all regions, quarries can play an important role in sustainable solutions for water management, biodiversity preservation and security, while effectively reconciling environmental and industrial issues.

This new publication highlights the positive impact quarries have on their local environment. It illustrates how, beyond their primary function, they contribute to the territorial network by meeting the needs of communities and contributing to the resilience of ecosystems in the face of climate challenges.