Groundwater Levels Were Reported

Hydrological Summary for the United Kingdom General November was a singular month in hydrological terms; it was notably warm but with very boisterous weather conditions and exceptionally high rainfall across most of the country. The UK registered its wettest November on record (in a series from 1914) and, more remarkably, a new 24-hr maximum rainfall for the UK was established in the Lake District. Severe flooding affected Cumbria and parts of Scotland and floodplain inundations were both common and widespread. The sustained high runoff rates generated an exceptionally high (>10%) monthly increase in overall reservoir stocks for England & Wales, leaving them at their 4th highest early-December level in a series from 1988. Below average early-winter stocks in index reservoirs are restricted to a few reservoirs in the English Lowlands (e.g. Rutland and Bewl). November runoff totals exceeded previous maxima in many catchments and, with soil moisture deficits rapidly eliminated, the belated seasonal onset of aquifer recharge gathered considerable momentum through the month; some dramatic increases in groundwater levels were reported. Entering the winter, the water resources outlook is notably healthy in almost all regions but, with catchments generally saturated, many river basins are very vulnerable to further significant rainfall. Rainfall Scotland). Many rivers in the Lake District (including In contrast to much of 2009, November saw a relentless the Derwent, Cocker and St Johns Beck) exceeded their sequence of low pressure systems crossing the British Isles. previous maximum flow by a wide margin as did outflows The persistently cyclonic conditions resulted in rainfall on from Windermere (in a 70-year series). Very exceptional all but 2 or 3 days in most regions and in mid-month a near- flows were also reported in a broad band from north Wales stationary weather system allowed an exceptionally warm to well into Scotland; the Nith eclipsed its previous No- and moist subtropical airflow to track SSW-NNE across vember maximum in a 53-year series. Flooding was also parts of the UK. This, together with substantial orographic severe in Northern Ireland (Lough Earn spilled causing 2 0 0 9 enhancement, produced many storm totals of >50mm and extensive agricultural flooding). Floodplain inundations culminated in extreme rainfall totals across high ground in were both extensive and sustained with very severe im- the Lake District. A new UK 24-hr record was established pacts on communities (Cockermouth and Workington at Seathwaite Farm, Borrowdale with 316.4mm up to 00:00 particularly). Collapsed bridges and landslips contributed on the 20th ( provisional return period 2000 years); the site to severe transport disruption (services on the West Coast also recorded remarkable totals of 402mm over 37 hrs and Main Line were briefly suspended). The November out- 495mm over 4 raindays (provisionally 4000 & 3000 years). flows for the UK were the highest on record (in a series Apart from the far north-west of Scotland, November from 1961) and index rivers eclipsing previous November rainfall totals exceeded the average, commonly by wide runoff maxima show a very wide distribution. Runoff margins and many individual raingauge totals were out- accumulations, relatively depressed throughout much of standing. Existing monthly rainfall maxima were widely 2009 in southern Britain, are now – for the year thus far eclipsed e.g. Inveruglas (Strathclyde) notched 561.4mm – generally within, or above, average. and Glencaple (Dumfries & Galloway) exceeded, by 80mm, its previous maximum for any month in a 45-yr Groundwater series. The exceptional late autumn rainfall considerably After meagre recharge since the early spring of 2009 moderated medium and long term rainfall deficiencies: in lowland aquifers, the sustained November rainfall regional rainfall totals for the last 12 months are in the eliminated residual soil moisture deficits in most areas normal range across England & Wales, and considerably and abundant infiltration characterised the latter half of above average for Northern Ireland and Scotland. the month, continuing into December. The recording schedules for the index boreholes (and the time taken for River flows recharge to traverse the unsaturated zone) means that the Many responsive rivers remained in spate for much of groundwater level response is not captured in some of the

November with an associated high flood risk across a featured hydrographs. Nonetheless, exceptionally steep N o v e m b e r substantial proportion of the country. Early in the month groundwater level recoveries were recorded in parts of a rotating low pressure system caused gales and wide- the southern Chalk (see, for example, the West Woodyates spread flooding across Banff and Aberdeenshire (e.g. in and Chilgrove hydrographs). This pattern is replicated Huntly and Stonehaven). The peak flow on the Deveron in most of the index limestone wells which reported late (at Muiresk) exceeded its previous maximum (registered in the month – see the hydrograph for Ampney Crucis in in September) in a 50-yr record. By the third week, brisk the Jurassic Limestone of the Cotswolds. In south west (but seasonally-late) runoff recoveries were well estab- Scotland, the exceptional November rainfall resulted in lished across the English Lowlands in both responsive the highest recorded level at the Newbridge borehole in a and groundwater-fed streams; there were a few exceptions 16-yr series. The full effect of the late-autumn infiltration e.g. in East Anglia. Over the latter half of November will not be evident until later in the year but the outstand- flood warnings were very widespread. With catchments ing late-autumn recharge has transformed the general saturated and most responsive rivers in high spate, the groundwater resources outlook; strong groundwater level extreme rainfall over the 17-20th triggered a devastating recoveries are now well established across most major flood episode in Cumbria (and extending into south west aquifer outcrop areas. Rainfall . . . Rainfall . . .

Rainfall accumulations and return period estimates

Nov Area Rainfall 2009 Sep 09 - Nov 09 Jun 09 - Nov 09 Mar 09 - Nov 09 Dec 08 - Nov 09 England mm 196 306 574 723 930 & Wales % 214 119 2-5 125 5-10 110 2-5 103 2-5

North West mm 292 450 857 1082 1346 % 233 121 5-10 132 10-20 121 15-25 111 5-10 Northumbrian mm 199 317 643 774 965 % 230 134 5-10 143 30-40 121 5-15 111 2-5 Severn Trent mm 138 218 473 605 762 % 192 108 2-5 122 2-5 107 2-5 99 2-5 Yorkshire mm 180 288 548 681 862 % 220 127 5-10 129 5-10 111 2-5 103 2-5 Anglian mm 95 158 326 413 546 % 164 99 2-5 103 2-5 90 2-5 90 2-5 Thames mm 152 223 405 511 685 % 232 118 2-5 115 2-5 99 2-5 98 2-5 Southern mm 211 309 447 564 772 % 247 131 2-5 113 2-5 100 2-5 98 2-5 Wessex mm 202 311 547 672 898 % 238 130 2-5 131 5-10 111 2-5 105 2-5 South West mm 244 397 731 952 1283 % 191 117 2-5 129 5-10 118 5-10 108 2-5 Welsh mm 315 486 881 1109 1395 % 218 121 2-5 132 5-15 117 5-10 104 2-5

Scotland mm 262 554 976 1328 1714 % 167 120 5-15 129 60-90 126 >100 117 20-30

Highland mm 259 636 1060 1510 1982 % 131 114 5-10 119 10-20 122 50-80 114 10-20 North East mm 165 432 755 963 1222 % 159 145 20-30 141 >100 127 60-90 119 20-30 Tay mm 269 529 925 1227 1558 % 211 138 10-20 144 50-80 135 >100 121 15-25 Forth mm 232 425 793 1034 1288 % 200 122 5-10 133 20-30 124 20-35 112 5-10 Tweed mm 224 370 751 917 1159 % 233 129 5-10 145 40-60 125 10-20 116 5-15 Solway mm 325 534 1075 1405 1793 % 223 119 5-10 144 80-120 136 >100 125 50-80 Clyde mm 341 654 1183 1626 2068 % 184 116 5-10 129 30-50 130 >100 118 15-25 Northern mm 211 357 705 981 1234 Ireland % 197 111 2-5 126 10-20 124 25-40 112 5-10

% = percentage of 1961-90 average RP = Return period Important note: Figures in the above table may be quoted provided their source is acknowledged (see page 12). Where appropriate, specific mention must be made of the uncertainties associated with the return period estimates. The RP estimates are based on data provided by the Met Office and derived following the method described in: Tabony, R. C. 1977, The variability of long duration rainfall over Great Britain. Met Office Scientific Paper no. 37. The estimates reflect climatic variability since 1913 and assume a stable climate. The timespans featured do not purport to represent the critical periods for any particular water resource management zone. For hydrological or water resources assessments of drought severity, river flows and/or groundwater levels normally provide a better guide than return periods based on regional rainfall totals. All monthly rainfall totals since May 2009 are provisional. 2 Rainfall . . . Rainfall . . . Rainfall . . . Rainfall . . .

November 2009 September - November 2009 Key Key 25% Percentage of 1961-90 average 25% Percentage of 1961-90 average Exceptionally low rainfall Exceptionally low rainfall Substantially below average Substantially below average Below average Below average Normal range Normal range Above average Above average 131% Substantially above average 114% Substantially above average Very wet 159% 145% Very wet

211% 138%

200% 122%

184% 116% 233% 129%

223% 119% 134% 230%

197% 111%

127% 220% 233% 121%

218%

192% 108% 164% 99%

121%

232% 118%

238% 247% 130% 131%

191% 117%

December 2008 - November 2009 Key 25% Percentage of 1961-90 average Exceptionally low rainfall Substantially below average Met Office Winter Below average Normal range 2009/10 forecast 114% Above average Substantially above average 119% Very wet Forecast for Winter 2009/10: 121% Issued 27 November 2009

112%

118% Temperature 116% For northern Europe, including the UK, there is a 20% chance

125% 111% of a colder winter, a 30% chance of an average winter and a 50% chance of a milder winter.

112% Rainfall 103% 111% For northern Europe, including the UK, signals for precipita- tion are weak, with near equal chances for each of the three categories. There is a 30% chance of a drier winter, a 35% chance of an average winter and a 35% chance of a wetter winter. 99% 90% Updates and reviews of the forecast 104% An update to the winter forecast will be issued in December 98% A monthly appraisal of the winter will start in early February 2010. 105% 98%

108% For further details please visit: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/seasonal/2009/winter/

3 River flow . . . River flow . . . River flow . . . River flow . . .

111 Naver

115 Ewe

115 Spey 106 134 Ness Carron

Dee 147

Tay

155 Earn 159 May - 129 Luss November 2009 141 Whiteadder 144 Clyde 144 Tweed 139 South 180 Nith Tyne Bush 155 Cree 138 91 Naver Camowen 178 177 Eden

154 Annacloy Lune Derwent 151 92 94 Ewe 134 128 146 Spey Ribble 100 143 Ness Lud 74 Carron Trent Dee Dove 73 105 126 Witham Dee 214 122 Little Ouse 157 Nevis Severn Soar 81 58 Tay 110 Teme 128 92 Great 102 216 162 Yscir Avon Ouse Colne 148 Wye 58 Teifi Coln Mimram 91 210 142 Earn Cynon 77 88 Lee 145 158 Luss Lambourn 86 86 86 81 Great Thames 74 Whiteadder Avon 80 Kennet Stour 222 Medway 204 129 118 94 93 Tone Itchen Ouse Clyde 139 283 Taw Exe Stour 102 Tweed 149 Warleggan Kenwyn 214 South 161 Nith 264 Tyne © NERC (CEH) 2009. © Crown copyright. Bush 176 Cree 252 Camowen 327 277 Eden

231 Annacloy Lune Derwent Key 276 135 273 % of long-term average 247 25 Wharfe (record figure when circled) Ribble J Lud 71 !( Exceptionally high flow Trent Dee Dove 63 128 Witham !( Notably high flow 223 149

Little Ouse !( Above normal Severn Soar 107 49 193 !( Normal range Teme 230 84 Great 100 239 Yscir Avon Ouse Colne 234 Wye 62 !( Below normal Teifi Coln Mimram 94 256 94 Cynon 113 Lee 230 !( Notably low flow

Lambourn 83 94 107 131 Great !( Exceptionally low flow Thames 126 Avon 91 Kennet Stour Medway 183 196 99 167 Based on ranking of the monthly flow* Tone Itchen Ouse 201 Taw Exe Stour 165

189 Warleggan Kenwyn 195 November 2009 © NERC (CEH) 2009. © Crown copyright. River flows *Comparisons based on percentage flows alone can be misleading. A given percentage flow can represent extreme drought conditions in permeable catchments where flow patterns are relatively stable but be well within the normal range in impermeable catchments where the natural variation in flows is much greater. Note: the period of record on which these percentages are based varies from station to station. Percentages may be omitted where flows are under review.

4 River flow . . . River flow . . . River flow . . . River flow . . .

Great Britain 2008/2009 England and Wales 2008/2009 50000 20000

10000 20000

5000 10000 -1 -1 s s 5000 3 2000 3 m m

1000

Gauged Discharge 2000 Gauged Discharge

500 1000

500 200 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Station No: 600021 Daily mean flows Station No: 600041 Daily mean flows + extreme daily flows (1961 to 2009) + extreme daily flows (1961 to 2009)

Scotland 2008/2009 Northern Ireland 2008/2009 50000 5000

20000 2000

10000 1000

5000 500 -1 -1 s s 3 3 m m 2000 200

Gauged Discharge 1000 Gauged Discharge 100

500 50

200 20 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Station No: 600061 Daily mean flows Station No: 600081 Daily mean flows + extreme daily flows (1961 to 2009) + extreme daily flows (1980 to 2009)

Ewe at Poolewe 2008/2009 Tay at Ballathie 2008/2009 500 2000

200 1000

100 500

50 200 -1 -1 s s 20 3 3 m 100 m 10

Gauged Discharge Gauged Discharge 50 5

2 20

1 10 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Station No: 094001 Daily mean flows Station No: 015006 Daily mean flows + extreme daily flows (1970 to 2009) + extreme daily flows (1952 to 2009)

Clyde at Daldowie 2008/2009 Derwent at Buttercrambe 2008/2009 1000 200

500 100

200 50

100 -1 -1 s s 3 20 3 50 m m 10

Gauged Discharge 20 Gauged Discharge 5 10

5 2 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Station No: 084013 Daily mean flows Station No: 027041 Daily mean flows + extreme daily flows (1963 to 2009) + extreme daily flows (1973 to 2009)

Camowen at Camowen Terrace 2008/2009 Bush at Seneirl Bridge 2008/2009 200 100

100 50 50 20 20 10 10 -1 -1

s 5 s 3 3

5 m m

2 2 Gauged Discharge Gauged Discharge 1 1

0.5 0.5

0.2 0.2 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Station No: 201005 Daily mean flows Station No: 204001 Daily mean flows + extreme daily flows (1972 to 2009) + extreme daily flows (1972 to 2009)

River flow hydrographs

The river flow hydrographs show the daily mean flows together with the maximum and minimum daily flows prior to December 2008 (shown by the shaded areas). Daily flows falling outside the maximum/minimum range are indicated where the bold trace enters the shaded areas.

5 River flow . . . River flow . . .

Eden at Sheepmount 2008/2009 Trent at Colwick 2008/2009 2000 1000

1000 500 500

200 200 -1 -1 s s 100 3 100 3 m m 50 50 Gauged Discharge Gauged Discharge 20 20 10

5 10 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Station No: 076007 Daily mean flows Station No: 028009 Daily mean flows + extreme daily flows (1967 to 2009) + extreme daily flows (1958 to 2009)

Severn at Bewdley 2008/2009 Lud at Louth 2008/2009 1000 10

500 5

200 2

100 1 -1 -1 s s 3 3

50 m 0.5 m

Gauged Discharge 20 Gauged Discharge 0.2

10 0.1

5 0.05 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Station No: 054001 Daily mean flows Station No: 029003 Daily mean flows + extreme daily flows (1921 to 2009) + extreme daily flows (1968 to 2009)

Teifi at Glan Teifi 2008/2009 Little Ouse at Abbey Heath 2008/2009 500 50

200 20 100 10 50 5 20 -1 -1 s s 3 3 m m 10 2 5

Gauged Discharge Gauged Discharge 1 2 0.5 1

0.5 0.2 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Station No: 062001 Daily mean flows Station No: 033034 Daily mean flows + extreme daily flows (1959 to 2009) + extreme daily flows (1968 to 2009)

Cynon at Abercynon 2008/2009 Thames at Kingston 2008/2009 200 1000

100 500 50

200 20

10 100 -1 -1 s s 3 3

5 m m 50

2 Gauged Discharge

Naturalised Discharge 20 1

0.5 10

0.2 5 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Station No: 057004 Daily mean flows Station No: 039001 Daily mean flows + extreme daily flows (1957 to 2009) + extreme daily flows (1883 to 2009)

Stour at Throop 2008/2009 Itchen at Highbridge+Allbrook 2008/2009 200 50

100

50 20

20 -1 -1 s s 3 10 3 10 m m

Gauged Discharge 5 Gauged Discharge 5

1 2 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Station No: 043007 Daily mean flows Station No: 042010 Daily mean flows + extreme daily flows (1973 to 2009) + extreme daily flows (1958 to 2009)

Notable runoff accumulations (a) July - November 2009, (b) May - November 2009 River %lta Rank River %lta Rank River %lta Rank a) Ness 139 37/37 a) Teifi 171 48/50 b) Dee (Woodend) 136 76/80 Spey (Boat o’Garten) 141 57/58 Lune 159 47/49 Earn 159 62/62 Tay 167 57/57 Eden 197 42/42 Forth 160 28/28 Tweed (Norham) 169 48/50 Cree 161 46/46 Nith 180 52/52 Tyne (Bywell) 168 48/51 Mourne 173 28/28 Clyde (Blairston) 157 50/50 Little Ouse 54 4/39 Camowen 177 38/38 Tawe 166 50/51 Annacloy 154 28/30

lta = long term average Rank 1 = lowest on record 6 Groundwater . . . Groundwater

Dalton Holme Washpit Farm 50.0 50.0

20.0 20.0

45.0 45.0 15.0 15.0 Water Level ( mOD ) Water Level ( mOD ) 10.0 10.0 Measuring level : 34.50 Measuring level : 80.19 40.0 40.0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2006 2007 2008 2009 Well No: SE94/5 Aquifer: Chalk Well No: TF81/2A Aquifer: Chalk + extremes & mean monthly levels (1889-2005) + extremes & mean monthly levels (1950-2005)

Stonor Park Dial Farm

90.0 90.0 26.0 26.0 80.0 80.0

70.0 70.0 25.0 25.0 Water Level ( mOD ) Water Level ( mOD ) Measuring level : 64.60 Measuring level : 121.29 60.0 60.0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2006 2007 2008 2009 Well No: SU78/45A Aquifer: Chalk Well No: TM15/112 Aquifer: Chalk + extremes & mean monthly levels (1961-2005) + extremes & mean monthly levels (1968-2005)

Rockley Well House Inn 145.0 145.0

100.0 100.0 140.0 140.0

135.0 135.0 90.0 90.0 Water Level ( mOD ) Water Level ( mOD )

130.0 130.0 Measuring level : 146.57 Measuring level : 132.27

2006 2007 2008 2009 2006 2007 2008 2009 Well No: SU17/57 Aquifer: Chalk Well No: TQ25/13 Aquifer: Chalk + extremes & mean monthly levels (1932-2005) + extremes & mean monthly levels (1942-2005)

West Woodyates Manor Chilgrove House

100.0 100.0

60.0 60.0 80.0 80.0

60.0 60.0 40.0 40.0 Water Level ( mOD ) Water Level ( mOD ) Measuring level : 77.18 Measuring level : 110.88

2006 2007 2008 2009 2006 2007 2008 2009 Well No: SU01/5B Aquifer: Chalk Well No: SU81/1 Aquifer: Chalk + extremes & mean monthly levels (1942-2005) + extremes & mean monthly levels (1836-2005)

Killyglen New Red Lion

120.0 120.0 20.0 20.0

115.0 115.0 10.0 10.0 Water Level ( mOD ) Water Level ( mOD ) Measuring level : 33.45 Measuring level : 139.23

2006 2007 2008 2009 2006 2007 2008 2009 Well No: ID30/1 Aquifer: Chalk Well No: TF03/37 Aquifer: Lincolnshire Limestone + extremes & mean monthly levels (1985-2005) + extremes & mean monthly levels (1939-2005)

Groundwater levels normally rise and fall with the seasons, reaching a peak in the spring following replenishment through the winter (when evaporation losses are low and soil moist). They decline through the summer and early autumn. This seasonal variation is much reduced when the aquifer is confined below overlying impermeable strata. The monthly mean and the highest and lowest levels recorded for each month are displayed in a similar style to the river flow hydrographs. Note that most groundwater levels are not measured continuously – the latest recorded levels are listed overleaf.

7 Groundwater . . . Groundwater

Ampney Crucis Newbridge

12.0 12.0 102.0 102.0

100.0 100.0 10.0 10.0

Water Level ( mOD ) 98.0 98.0 Water Level ( mOD ) Measuring level : 109.54 Measuring level : -999.00

2006 2007 2008 2009 2006 2007 2008 2009 Well No: SP00/62 Aquifer: Middle Jurassic Well No: NX97/2 Aquifer: Permo-Triassic sandstone + extremes & mean monthly levels (1958-2005) + extremes & mean monthly levels (1993-2005)

Skirwith Swan House

90.0 90.0

131.0 131.0 85.0 85.0

130.0 130.0 80.0 80.0 Water Level ( mOD ) Water Level ( mOD ) Measuring level : 94.90 Measuring level : 133.25

2006 2007 2008 2009 2006 2007 2008 2009 Well No: NY63/2 Aquifer: Permo-Triassic sandstone Well No: NZ21/29 Aquifer: Magnesian Limestone + extremes & mean monthly levels (1978-2005) + extremes & mean monthly levels (1969-2005)

Brick House Farm Llanfair DC

81.0 81.0 16.0 16.0

14.0 14.0 80.0 80.0

12.0 12.0 79.0 79.0 Water Level ( mOD ) Water Level ( mOD ) Measuring level : 53.34 Measuring level : 83.08 10.0 10.0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2006 2007 2008 2009 Well No: SE44/80 Aquifer: Magnesian Limestone Well No: SJ15/13 Aquifer: Permo-Triassic sandstone + extremes & mean monthly levels (1979-2005) + extremes & mean monthly levels (1972-2005)

Heathlanes Weeford Flats

64.0 64.0 91.0 91.0

62.0 62.0 90.0 90.0

89.0 89.0 Water Level ( mOD ) Water Level ( mOD ) Measuring level : 68.61 Measuring level : 96.21

2006 2007 2008 2009 2006 2007 2008 2009 Well No: SJ62/112 Aquifer: Permo-Triassic sandstone Well No: SK10/9 Aquifer: Permo-Triassic sandstone + extremes & mean monthly levels (1971-2005) + extremes & mean monthly levels (1966-2005)

Bussels No.7a Alstonfield

25.0 25.0

200.0 200.0 24.0 24.0

180.0 180.0 Water Level ( mOD ) Water Level ( mOD ) Measuring level : 26.97 23.0 23.0 Measuring level : 280.25 2006 2007 2008 2009 2006 2007 2008 2009 Well No: SX99/37B Aquifer: Permo-Triassic sandstone Well No: SK15/16 Aquifer: Carboniferous Limestone + extremes & mean monthly levels (1971-2005) + extremes & mean monthly levels (1974-2005)

Groundwater levels November / December 2009 Borehole Level Date Nov. av. Borehole Level Date Nov. av. Borehole Level Date Nov. av. Dalton Holme 12.97 13/11 14.83 Chilgrove House 43.83 30/11 46.52 Brick House Farm 12.47 25/11 12.33 Washpit Farm 42.57 01/12 43.34 Killyglen (NI) 117.12 30/11 115.83 Llanfair DC 79.72 15/11 79.70 Stonor Park 69.73 02/12 72.32 New Red Lion 9.95 30/11 12.31 Heathlanes 61.94 26/11 61.89 Dial Farm 25.30 11/11 25.43 Ampney Crucis 103.10 02/12 101.22 Weeford Flats 89.81 06/11 89.70 Rockley 130.57 02/12 131.68 Newbridge 12.23 29/11 10.10 Bussels No.7a 24.21 25/11 23.63 Well House Inn 88.69 30/11 93.00 Skirwith 130.83 30/11 130.05 Alstonfield 195.29 16/11 186.73 West Woodyates 94.98 30/11 80.86 Swan House 83.06 19/11 82.46 Levels in metres above Ordnance Datum

8 Groundwater . . .Groundwater

Key

Monthly rank/Period of record 1/25 (record figure when circled)

Exceptionally high levels

Notably high levels

Significantly above average

Normal range

Significantly below average

Notably low levels

Exceptionally low levels

Aquifer

Newbridge 17/17 Magnesian Limestone Killyglen 21/25 Swan House Permo-Triassic sandstones Skirwith 24/26 27/41 Jurassic limestones Wetwang Chalk

6/38 Brick House 16/30 122/121 Farm Dalton Yew Holme Tree 10/31 Farm Alstonfield Aylesby

21/38 31/36

Llanfair 13/46 Washpit D.C. 18/36 Weeford 17/58 Farm 24/44 Flats New Red Lion Heathlanes 26/36 Dial Nuttalls Redlands Farm Farm Hall 15/41 Therfield 11/45 Ampney Rectory 55/120 Crucis

50/51 Stonor 14/49 Park Rockley 38/77 Well 7/66 House Little 27/41 Tilshead 9/38 West Chilgrove Inn Bucket Lime Woodyates Compton House Houndean Farm Kiln Manor 58/64 House Way 50/11593/174 20/31 Bussels 21/37 46/68 No 7A 38/39 Westdean No 3 32/34 Ashton Farm

Groundwater levels - November 2009

The rankings are based on a comparison between the average level in the featured month (but often only single readings are available) and the average level in each corresponding month on record. They need to be interpreted with caution especially when groundwater levels are changing rapidly or when comparing wells with very different periods of record. Rankings may be omitted where they are considered misleading. Notes: i. The outcrop areas are coloured according to British Geological Survey conventions. ii. Yew Tree Farm levels are now received quarterly. 9 Reservoirs . . . Reservoirs . . . Guide to the variation in overall Comparison between overall reservoir stocks for England and reservoir stocks for England and Wales Wales in recent years

25 100

20 90 15

10 80 5

0 70

−5 60 −10 1988−2008 mean −15 Percentage live capacity 1995−1996 50 2000−2001 −20 2007−2008 % devn. from 1988−2008 monthly mean 2008−2009 −25 40 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov

These plots are based on the England and Wales figures listed below. Percentage live capacity of selected reservoirs at start of month Capacity 2009 Dec Min Year* 2008 Diff Area Reservoir (Ml) Oct Nov Dec Anom. Dec of min Dec 09-08 North West N Command Zone • 124929 87 90 99 23 44 1993 95 4 Vyrnwy 55146 75 72 99 18 33 1995 93 6 Northumbrian Teesdale • 87936 81 92 98 19 39 1995 91 7 Kielder (199175) (87) (88) (97) 13 55 2007 88 9 Severn Trent Clywedog 44922 87 79 98 19 43 1995 79 19 Derwent Valley • 39525 76 67 100 22 9 1995 95 5 Yorkshire Washburn • 22035 78 77 93 21 16 1995 94 -1 Bradford supply • 41407 76 74 100 20 20 1995 97 3 Anglian Grafham (55490) (84) (81) (84) 2 47 1997 93 -9 Rutland (116580) (73) (69) (70) -9 57 1995 88 -18 Thames London • 196628 84 80 94 13 52 1990 95 -1 Farmoor • 13822 84 85 81 -9 52 1990 93 -12 Southern Bewl 28170 51 45 54 -10 34 1990 75 -21 Ardingly 4685 64 55 72 -3 23 2003 93 -21 Wessex Clatworthy 5364 83 72 100 23 16 2003 100 0 Bristol WW • (38666) (65) (57) (80) 13 27 1990 94 -14 South West Colliford 28540 94 95 100 29 42 1995 100 0 Roadford 34500 89 86 98 25 19 1995 97 1 Wimbleball 21320 87 81 100 26 34 1995 100 0 Stithians 4967 78 75 91 27 29 2001 88 3 Welsh Celyn and Brenig • 131155 88 85 95 8 50 1995 96 -1 Brianne 62140 96 95 100 5 72 1995 98 2 Big Five • 69762 91 89 91 10 49 1990 96 -5 Elan Valley • 99106 96 93 100 7 47 1995 100 0

Scotland(E) Edinburgh/Mid Lothian • 97639 88 92 100 16 45 2003 97 3 East Lothian • 10206 100 97 99 12 38 2003 99 0 Scotland(W) Loch Katrine • 111363 94 93 100 10 65 2007 95 5 Daer 22412 97 93 98 2 73 2003 99 -1 Loch Thom • 11840 95 95 96 3 72 2003 96 0

Northern Total+ • 56920 91 96 99 16 59 2003 90 9 Ireland Silent Valley • 20634 92 95 99 23 43 2001 89 10 () figures in parentheses relate to gross storage • denotes reservoir groups +excludes Lough Neagh *last occurrence

Details of the individual reservoirs in each of the groupings listed above are available on request. The percentages given in the Average and Minimum storage columns relate to the 1988-2008 period except for West of Scotland and Northern Ireland where data commence in the mid-1990’s. In some gravity-fed reservoirs (e.g. Clywedog) stocks are kept below capacity during the winter to provide scope for flood attenuation purposes. The London total has been revised to 196628 Ml as of November 2009. © NERC (CEH) 2009. 10 Location map . . . Location map

gauging station Naver groundwater index well 25 100 reservoir - individual 20 90 reservoir - group (general location only) 15 Ewe 10 80 5 Chalk Carron Deveron Spey Jurassic limestones 0 70 Ness

−5 Permo-Triassic sandstones 60 −10 Dee Magnesian Limestone 1988−2008 mean Nevis −15 Percentage live capacity 1995−1996 Minor aquifers (including the Carboniferous 50 2000−2001 −20 2007−2008

% devn. from 1988−2008 monthly mean Limestone) have been omitted. 2008−2009 Tay −25 40 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Earn Loch Katrine

Luss Forth Leven Tyne East Lothian Loch Clyde Thom Whiteadder

Tweed Edin/Mid Lothian Nith Daer Loch Bradan Kielder Cree Bush Newbridge Lower Faughan Bann Eden Killyglen South Tyne Mourne Swan Skirwith House Camowen Lagan Teesdale Northern Leven Annacloy Command Zone Wharfe

Silent Valley Wetwang Lune Bradford

Washburn Derwent Ribble Brick Dalton Holme House Yew Tree Farm Farm Torne Aylesby

Derwent Valley

Morris Dancers Lud Llanfair D.C Dover Witham Llyn Brenig Alstonfield Beck Llyn Celyn Dee Dove Trent Vyrnwy Heathlanes New Red Lion Washpit Farm Nuttalls Weeford Rutland Water Stringside Clywedog Flats Farm Soar

Great Ouse Little Ouse Severn Grafham Water Elan Valley Teme Dial Llyn Avon Redlands Hall Farm Brianne Yscir Wye Teifi Mimram Therfield Coln Colne Farmoor Rectory Stonor Cynon Ampney Lee Tawe Big Crucis Park Five Lambourn Rockley London Blackwater Thames Bristol Well TilsheadAvon Kennet Water Mole House Little Bucket Farm Test Inn West Compton Medway Great Stour Wimbleball Clatworthy Lym Ardingly Taw Woodyates House Ouse Exe Brue Bewl Water Stour ington Chilgrove Tone Itchen Piddle House Houndean Roadford OtterLime Kiln Way Wallington Bussels Westdean No.3 No.7A Ashton Farm Colliford Dart arleggan Kenwyn W Stithians

11 National Hydrological Monitoring Programme

The National Hydrological Monitoring Programme *MORECS is the generic name for the Met Office services (NHMP) was instigated in 1988 and is undertaken jointly involving the routine calculation of evaporation and soil by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology Wallingford moisture throughout Great Britain. (formerly the Institute of Hydrology - IH) and the Brit- ish Geological Survey (BGS). Financial support for the For further details please contact: production of the monthly Hydrological Summaries is provided by the Department for Environment, Food and The Met Office Rural Affairs (Defra), the Environment Agency (EA), FitzRoy Road the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the Exeter Rivers Agency (RA) in Northern Ireland, and the Office Devon of Water Services (OFWAT). EX1 3PB

Data Sources Tel.: 0870 900 0100 Fax: 0870 900 5050 River flow and groundwater level data are provided by the E-mail: [email protected] Environment Agency, the Environment Agency Wales, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and, for The National Hydrological Monitoring Programme Northern Ireland, the Rivers Agency and the Northern depends on the active cooperation of many data suppli- Ireland Environment Agency. In all cases the data are ers. This cooperation is gratefully acknowledged; the subject to revision following validation (flood and drought November Summary, in particular, stands as a testament data in particular may be subject to significant revision). to the assistance provided by many hydrometric person- Reservoir level information is provided by the Water nel working in exceptionally challenging circumstances. Service Companies, the EA, Scottish Water and Northern Ireland Water. Subscription Subscription to the Hydrological Summaries costs £48 per The National River Flow Archive (maintained by CEH year. Orders should be addressed to: Wallingford) and the National Groundwater Level Ar- chive (maintained by BGS) provide the historical perspec- Hydrological Summaries tive within which to examine contemporary hydrological CEH Wallingford conditions. Maclean Building Crowmarsh Gifford Rainfall Wallingford Most rainfall data are provided by the Met Office (see op- Oxfordshire posite). To allow better spatial differentiation the rainfall OX10 8BB data for Britain are presented for the regional divisions of the precursor organisations of the EA and SEPA. Follow- Tel.: 01491 838800 ing the discontinuation of the Met Office’s CARP system Fax: 01491 692424 in July 1998, the areal rainfall figures have been derived E-mail: [email protected] using several procedures, including initial estimates based on MORECS*. Recent figures have been produced by the Selected text and maps are available on the WWW at Met Office, National Climate Information Centre (NCIC), http://www.nerc-wallingford.ac.uk/ih/nrfa/index.htm using a technique similar to CARP. A significant number Navigate via Water Watch of additional monthly raingauge totals are provided by the EA and SEPA to help derive the contemporary regional Some of the features displayed on the maps contained in rainfalls. Revised monthly national and regional rainfall this report are based on the following data with permission totals for the post-1960 period (together with revised of the controller of HMSO. 1961-90 averages) were made available by the Met Of- (i) Ordnance Survey data. © Crown copyright and/or da- fice in 2004; these have been adopted by the NHMP. tabase right 2005. Licence no. 100017897. As with all regional figures based on limited raingauge (ii) Land and Property Services data. © Crown copyright networks the monthly tables and accumulations (and the and database right, S&LA 145. return periods associated with them) should be regarded (iii) Met Office rainfall data. © Crown copyright. as a guide only. All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction infringes The monthly rainfall figures are provided by the Met Of- crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. fice (National Climate Information Centre) and are Crown Copyright and may not be passed on to, or published by, any unauthorised person or organisation. Text and maps in this document are © NERC (CEH) 2009 unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission.

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