Research and analysis

Kent groundwater situation

Updated 1 April 2026

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2026

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1. Current situation

Groundwater levels rose sharply in January and February 2026 due to the large volumes of rainfall received during those 2 months, which led to winterbournes such as the Nailbourne and Alkham Bourne beginning to flow.

The county received less than half the long term average rainfall for March. Despite this, groundwater levels remain above normal for this time of year at most observation sites, and the winterbournes continue to flow, although flows have decreased during the second half of March 2026. Groundwater levels in Kent are now beginning to stabilise due to the lack of significant rainfall since the end of February.

2. Short term forecast 

Weather forecasts for the next 2 weeks indicate that there will be periods of fine weather with light intermittent rainfall and scattered showers at times, however daily rainfall totals are not expected to exceed a few millimetres. As a result, groundwater levels are expected to continue to fall.

3. Longer term forecast 

Weather conditions 2 to 4 weeks from now are predicted to remain relatively dry, with only light and patchy rainfall currently forecast. If rainfall over the next few weeks remains as low as expected, groundwater levels would be expected to fall.

Graph showing the trend of groundwater levels since January 2024 at the Little Bucket Farm Observation Borehole at Petham in the North Downs of East Kent overlying a background of colour banding indicating relatively high and low conditions. Levels are normal for this time of year as of 31 March 2026.

4. What the Environment Agency is doing 

We will continue to monitor groundwater levels across Kent and provide situation report updates until groundwater levels return to normal and are no longer close to flood alert levels. The next report will be published at the end of April 2026 unless the situation changes significantly.

We will take evidence-based decisions and if conditions deteriorate, we will notify our partners (including lead local flood authorities and water companies). We will also actively engage with our partners to help them prepare for incident response.

5. Actions and advice

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

6. Next update

We will continue to monitor groundwater levels closely and we will provide a further update at the end of April 2026 unless there are any significant changes. 

7. Further information

You can view:

8. Contacts

If you have any questions, email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.

The Environment Agency offers free Groundwater Flood Alerts. You can:

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