Research and analysis

Kent groundwater situation: February 2026

Updated 11 February 2026

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2026

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/kent-groundwater-situation/kent-groundwater-situation-february-2026

1. Current situation

Groundwater levels in Kent are rising sharply, with the increase particularly pronounced in East Kent following January rainfall that reached 210% of the long-term average for the area. This rise in groundwater levels is part of a process known as groundwater recharge. Groundwater monitoring sites across Kent are currently classified as normal, above normal, or notably high for this time of year. This is due to the above average rainfall received in January. Some winter Bournes in the Kent area, including the Nailbourne and the Alkham Bourne, have begun to flow. Bournes are rivers that flow during the winter months when groundwater levels are high.

2. Short term forecast 

Weather forecasts for the next 2 weeks predict that there will be a mix of showers and longer spells of rain across the region, with heavy rainfall expected at times. There has been a sharp rise at most groundwater monitoring sites in Kent during January, and with the rainfall received recently, this rise is expected to continue.

3. Longer term forecast 

Groundwater levels are likely to continue to rise until the end of the groundwater recharge season, which typically ends in spring. The likelihood of groundwater flooding occurring over the next 2 months is dependent on the amount and intensity of rainfall received. If the rainfall remains significantly above the long-term average, as it did in January, groundwater flooding of basements and low-lying land could occur. This may also result in winter Bournes such as the Nailbourne, Alkham Bourne and Petham Bourne flowing more extensively.

4. What the Environment Agency is doing 

We will continue to monitor groundwater levels across Kent and provide situation report updates throughout the remainder of the winter. The next report will be published next month 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. Further information

You can view:

7. 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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