East Anglia water situation: April 2026 summary
Updated 13 May 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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1. Summary
April 2026 was a very dry month across East Anglia, with rainfall ranging from 5% to 16% of the long term average (LTA) for the month. Because of this soil moisture deficit (SMD) increased at a high rate, starting April at normal levels and ending the month within the notably low band. All river flow sites showed reduction of flows, the majority with below normal or notably low monthly average flows. Groundwater levels have started to decrease at almost all monitoring sites, but remain at normal or above normal levels for most. Only 2 groundwater sites have below normal levels for April. Public water supply reservoirs ended April with levels ranging from 86% to 95% of their full storage capacity. Both Grafham and Ardleigh reservoir stocks have fallen below their target curves.
2. Rainfall
Exceptionally low rainfall was received across all East Anglian catchments in April 2026. Rainfall totals ranged from 5% to 14% of the LTA. The average area rainfall for East Anglia was 4.4mm. South Essex and Cam were the driest catchments, receiving 1.9mm and 2.4mm cumulative rainfall respectively. The Upper Bedford Ouse received the most rainfall with a cumulative 6.9mm. East Anglian rainfall totals over the past 3 months have been normal for all but North Norfolk, Northwest Norfolk and Wissey, and Little Ouse and Lark which were below normal.
3. Soil moisture deficit and recharge
The regional average SMD increased significantly during April, rising from a normal 20mm at the end of March to a notably high 66mm by the end of April. Most catchments had an SMD within the range of 41mm to 70mm by the end of April, but Central Area Fenland and South Essex both fell within the 71mm to 100mm range. All catchments had an SMD of 26mm to 50mm greater than the LTA for the time of year.
4. River flows
Monthly mean river flows ranged from 40% to 87% of the LTA in April 2026, with flows ranging from normal to notably low for the time of year. The Ely Ouse, Wissey, and Bure, Yare and Waveney in the east all fell within the notably low band. The Ely Ouse recorded the lowest flows at 40% with the high 87% LTA flow being Heacham in the north.
5. Groundwater levels
Groundwater levels have now started to fall at the majority of groundwater sites, with Bircham Newton being the only site to show a continued rise in groundwater levels. Levels fall within the normal ranges for April for most catchments. Only Bircham Newton and Breckland are at below normal levels having been unable to fully recover with this winter’s recharge. Bury St Edmunds and Smeetham Hall conversely remain above normal for the time of year.
6. Reservoir stocks
Public water supply reservoir stocks for East Anglia ranged from 86% to 95% of their full storage capacity. Alton, Abberton and Hanningfield are all currently above their target curve, and both Grafham and Ardleigh are below.
Author: Environment Agency, Hydrology-EAN-and-LNA@environment-agency.gov.uk
All data are provisional and may be subject to revision. The views expressed in this document are not necessarily those of the Environment Agency. Its officers, servants or agents accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from the interpretation or use of the information, or reliance upon views contained in this report.