Groundwater situation: Hampshire
Updated 13 March 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hampshire-groundwater/groundwater-situation-hampshire
Current situation
January 2026 was wet. In February 2026 all rain gauges in Hampshire recorded between 195% and 350% of the long term average expected for this month. Most places have recorded only a small amount of rain in March 2026, however some parts of south west Hampshire have already recorded all of March’s long term average rainfall.
Groundwater levels across Hampshire rose quickly in January and February 2026. Groundwater levels are above average. In north Hampshire, groundwater levels are still rising slowly, and responsive to heavy rainfall events. Elsewhere, with less rain at the end of February and beginning of March, groundwater is now falling.
In communities susceptible to groundwater flooding in Hampshire, impacts are occurring.
Groundwater is thought to be affecting cellars of properties in Upton, Appleshaw, Hatherden, Penton Grafton, Pitton, Nether Wallop, West Tytherley, Hursley, Preston Candover, Old Alresford, Cheriton, Twyford, Hensting, Hambledon, Finchdean, Dean Lane End, and Rowlands Castle.
Road, land and garden flooding is expected to be ongoing in many communities. Impacts to the sewerage system and septic tanks are expected across Hampshire.
Groundwater may soon affect cellars in Deane and Bishops Sutton.
Graph showing changes in groundwater levels in Clanville Gate Borehole in North Hampshire from January 2024 to March 2026. The graph shows that groundwater levels are currently above average for the time of year and currently rising.
Graph showing changes in groundwater levels in Whitedale Farm Borehole in East Hampshire from January 2024 to March 2026. The graph shows that groundwater levels are currently above average for the time of year but currently falling.
Weather forecast
Only small amounts of rain are forecast from Friday 13 March 2026 to Tuesday 17 March 2026.
Much of the UK will see a period of more settled weather in March. Rain could return at the end of March and early April. Long range forecasting is difficult, and predictions may change.
Forecast risk of flooding
Groundwater flood impacts will continue throughout March 2026. However, groundwater is expected to slowly fall in all communities.
Flooding impacts will include winterbourne streams flowing, water appearing in fields, gardens and roads, and cellars.
It is very difficult to accurately predict the weather weeks or months ahead, and the forecast might change.
If persistent rain occurs, flood impacts could increase once more or ongoing impacts could be continue for longer.
Next update
We will update this groundwater situation document by Friday 10 April 2026, or sooner if the risk of flooding significantly increases.
When in force, groundwater flood alerts are updated with information more frequently.
What we are doing
We continue to monitor groundwater levels and their response to rainfall.
Throughout autumn and winter, we will update this groundwater situation and our groundwater briefing notes.
We will issue and update flood alerts when there is risk of flooding affecting property.
We liaise with the local authority and other responding partners to ensure they are aware of the situation.
Our operational staff will remove blockages from main rivers, to ensure they flow freely.
Actions and advice
Think and prepare now for what you’ll do if flooding occurs where you live, don’t wait until flooding happens.
Call Floodline on 0345 988 118 or visit check for flooding to find out if you can register to receive free flood alerts for flooding from groundwater.
Look for data in your area:
There is practical advice on what to do before, during and after groundwater flooding, and further guidance about groundwater flooding, how it might affect you and what to do.
Prepare a personal flood plan or community flood plan to help you and your community decide what practical actions to take before and during a flood, which will help reduce the damage flooding could cause.
Check pumps and any other flood protection equipment you have. Ensure valuables are moved from basements and other low parts of properties.
Where safe to do so, communities may wish to check and ensure there are no blockages in local watercourses and ditches.
Further information
You can view:
- daily groundwater levels compared to average and maximum, with indicative impact thresholds
- sub daily groundwater levels on Gaugemap
- the latest flood alert information
- water situation reports
More detailed groundwater briefing notes are emailed as part of the flood alert service. See contacts section below to register your email address.
Contacts
For more information on the flood alert service and to find out what messages you are registered to receive, call Floodline on 0345 988 118.
Alternatively, you can contact the following for additional information:
- Environment Agency Customers and Engagement: ssdenquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
- Environment Agency Incident Reporting Hotline: 0800 807060
- Environment Agency National Customer Contact Centre: 03708 506 506