Research and analysis

Devon and Cornwall water situation: July 2026 summary

Updated 12 August 2026

Applies to England

• Publication for Northern Ireland
• Publication for Scotland
• Publication for Wales

1. Summary

Devon and Cornwall received 7mm of rain during July. This is 8% of the July long term average (LTA), which is exceptionally low for the time of year. Soil moisture deficit (SMD) remained higher (drier) than the LTA throughout July. July monthly mean flows ranged from exceptionally low to normal across the area. Groundwater levels ended the month between normal and exceptionally high for the time of year Total reservoir storage across Devon and Cornwall on 26 July was 65%, with Wimbleball, Colliford and Roadford at 54%, 64% and 71% respectively.

2. Rainfall

Devon and Cornwall received 7mm of rain during July (8% of the July LTA), which is exceptionally low for the time of year. This was the driest July since records began in 1871. Thirty percent of the month’s rain fell on the first day, and half fell in the final week. Outside of these periods, rainfall was minimal across the area.

All hydrological areas recorded exceptionally low rainfall for the time of year.

Cumulative rainfall for the last 3 months was below normal across most of the area. The Otter, Sid, Axe and Lim, Teign and Torbay and Exe hydrological areas recorded notably low rainfall and the Seaton, Looe and Fowey hydrological area recorded normal rainfall. Over the last 6 months, cumulative rainfall was normal across the area except for the Teign and Torbay and Exe hydrological areas, which recorded below normal rainfall. Over the last 12 months, cumulative rainfall was above normal to exceptionally high across the area except the Taw and North Devon Streams, where it was normal. 

3. Soil moisture deficit

SMD in Devon and Cornwall increased (soils became drier) during July. By the end of the month SMD was higher (drier) than the LTA, approaching the historic maximum for the time of year.

By the end of July, SMD was 131mm to 160mm in the Otter, Sid, Axe and Lim hydrological area. Across the rest of the area, SMD was 101mm to 130mm. SMD in the West Cornwall hydrological area was 26mm to 50mm higher than the LTA. Across the rest of the area, SMD was 51mm to 75mm higher than the LTA.

4. River flows

July monthly mean flows were below normal to exceptionally low across the area, except for the River Fowey at Restormel which recorded normal flows. The River Teign at Chudleigh and the River Hayle at St Erth recorded the lowest July monthly mean flow on record.

Daily mean flows decreased at all sites through the month in response to the dry weather. Daily mean flows on 31 July were between below normal and exceptionally low across the area, except for the River Fowey at Restormel where flows were recorded as normal.

Due to data accuracy concerns, Torrington has not been reported on this month.

5. Groundwater levels   

On 31 July, groundwater levels were classed as follows:

• normal at Coleford Production (monitoring the Permian Breccias and Sandstones), Bussels No7A (monitoring the Dawlish sandstone) and Woodleys No1 (monitoring the Otterton Sandstone Formation)
• above normal at Woodbury Common No2 (monitoring the Budleigh Salterton Pebble Beds)
• notably high at Branscombe Lane (monitoring the Dawlish Sandstone)
• exceptionally high at Whitlands (monitoring the Upper Greensand)

Groundwater levels at all sites are in their seasonal recession. The faster-responding, lower aquifer storage sites such as Bussels No7A are receding more rapidly than the sites whose aquifers have higher storage, such as Whitlands.

Due to data accuracy concerns, Winnards Perch has not been reported on this month. 

6. Reservoir stocks

Total reservoir storage was 65% on 26 July, which is an overall decrease of 13% since the end of June. This is higher than storage at the end of June 2022 (the most recent drought year), which was 53%. On 26 July, storage at Wimbleball, Colliford and Roadford was 54%, 64% and 71% respectively, compared to 51%, 45% and 62% at the same time in 2022.

Author: Devon and Cornwall Hydrology, hydrology.dandc@environment-agency.gov.uk

All data are provisional and maybe subject to revision. The views expressed in this document are not necessarily the views of the Environment Agency. Its officers, servants, or agents accept no liability for loss or damage arising from the interpretation or use of the information, or reliance upon views contained in this report.