Research and analysis

Devon and Cornwall water situation: November 2025 summary

Updated 11 December 2025

Applies to England

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Devon and Cornwall received 130% of the November long term average (LTA) rainfall, which was above normal for the time of year. Soil moisture deficit (SMD) decreased overall during November. Monthly mean river flows were normal to above normal for the time of year across the area. Groundwater levels ended the month between below normal and exceptionally high for the time of year. Total reservoir storage across Devon and Cornwall by 30 November was 65%, with Wimbleball, Colliford and Roadford at 45%, 52% and 71% respectively.

1. Rainfall

Devon and Cornwall received 191mm of rain during November (130% of the November LTA), which is above normal for the time of year. November was unsettled through the month, with the highest periods of rainfall falling during the first half of the month.

Cumulative rainfall for the last 3 months was above normal across the area except for the Tamar, Seaton Looe and Fowey, and West Cornwall hydrological areas, which experienced notably high rainfall. Over the last 6 months, rainfall was normal in the east of the area and above normal in the west of the area, with the exception of the Fal and St Austell hydrological area, which saw normal rainfall. Over the last 12 months, rainfall was normal across Devon and Cornwall.

2. Soil moisture deficit

SMD decreased during November, remaining close to the LTA. The average deficit at the end of November was below 10mm across the whole area. SMD ranged from 5mm lower (wetter) to 5mm higher (drier) than the long term average deficit for November across the area.

3. River flows

November monthly mean river flows ranged from normal to above normal across Devon and Cornwall.

All sites experienced a sharp increase in flow in the first part of the month, with many sites reaching exceptionally high daily mean flows in response to the rainfall during Storm Claudia. River flows then decreased a little, before showing a more unsettled pattern responding to further rainfall throughout the month. Daily mean flows on 30 November ranged from normal to above normal across Devon and Cornwall.

4. Groundwater levels   

On 30 November, groundwater levels were classed as:

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

Groundwater levels at most sites continue to be in recession, except for Winnards Perch, whose hydrograph is now on its rising limb. Levels at this site respond quickly to rainfall due to the low storage of the Secondary Aquifer which it monitors. Bussels No7A appears to have also started to increase; its hydrograph may now have started its rising limb.

5. Reservoir stocks

Total reservoir storage was 65% on 30 November, which is an overall increase of 13% since 2 November. This is higher than storage at the same time in 2022 (the most recent drought year), which was 49%. On 30 November, storage at Wimbleball, Colliford and Roadford was 45%, 52% and 71% respectively, compared to 48%, 26% and 46% 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.