According to the latest Monthly Water Situation Report, September rainfall in England was well above the monthly long term average at 133%. The soil moisture deficit decreased during across most of England and soils were wetter than average across most areas at the end of September.
September monthly rainfall totals were above the September long term average, with the highest levels being recorded across parts of north-west and south-west England at 150 to 230mm and lowest across parts of Kent, Essex, Suffolk and south London at 40 to 50mm.
Monthly mean river flows increased compared to August, and were classed as normal or higher for the time of year at all but five sites. While flows in the Kennet, Great Stour and Eastern Rother rivers in south-east England and the River Avon in south-west England were below normal for the time of year. Flows at all indicator sites in north-west England were above normal or notably high the time of year.
Groundwater levels continued to recede at all but 6 indicator sites during September but by the end of September the levels were normal or higher for the time of year at just over half of the indicator sites. Increases were recorded at four sites in sandstone aquifers in central and north-west England and two chalk aquifer sites, Wetwang in the Hull and East Riding chalkand Woodyates in the Upper Dorset Stour chalk. Groundwater levels at just under half of the indicator sites were below normal or lower for the time of year, with Ashley Green (Chilterns East chalk aquifer) remaining exceptionally low for the fourth consecutive month.
Reservoir stocks decreased at nearly 66% of reported reservoirs or reservoir groups, but stocks remain normal or higher for the time of year at just over three -quarters of sites. Overall reservoir storage for England remained unchanged at the end of September at 79% of total capacity.
Get a home water cooler or office water cooler from Living-Water in London.
