Research and analysis

East Anglia water situation: June 2026 summary

Updated 14 July 2026

Applies to England

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

June rainfall across East Anglia ranged from 68% to 131% of the long term average (LTA) for the month. The majority of catchments received close to or above their respective LTA rainfall within the first 11 days of the month. A minor reduction in the area average soil moisture deficit (SMD) occurred following rainfall received at the beginning of June. However, with above average temperatures and minimal rainfall received in the final 2 weeks of June, the average SMD for East Anglia returned to exceptionally high, ending the month at 118mm. River flows were varied across East Anglia during June, with report sites ranging from normal to exceptionally low for the time of year. Groundwater levels at all report sites for which there is data available continued to fall, although the majority remain normal to below normal for the time of year. Public water supply reservoirs within East Anglia ended June 2026 with levels ranging from 83% to 90% of full storage capacity.

1. Rainfall

June 2026 rainfall across East Anglia ranged from 68% to 131% of the LTA for the month. The East Anglia area averaged rainfall for June 2026 was 58mm. This total is approximately 108% of the 1991 to 2020 LTA for June and is considered normal for the time of year. The majority of catchments received close to or above their respective LTA rainfall by 11 June, with minimal rainfall received across East Anglia for the remainder of the month. The cumulative 3-month totals ranged from exceptionally low in North Norfolk and Northwest Norfolk and Wissey to below normal in the Upper and Lower Bedford Ouse catchments. Cumulative 12-month totals show all catchments to be normal, except for North Norfolk which was below normal.

2. Soil moisture deficit and recharge

After decreasing briefly at the beginning of the month with the rainfall, SMDs have continued to rise through June 2026. Most regions have an SMD of 101mm to 130mm, while Central Area Fenland and Northwest Norfolk and Wissey catchments are above 130mm. While the brief decrease lowered regional average SMD to notably high, the average returned to exceptionally high, ending the month at 118mm.

3. River flows

River flows were varied across East Anglia during June, ranging between 18% and 84% of the LTA. Report sites along the Bedford Ouse, and its tributaries, recorded June 2026 flows considered normal for the time of year. Both the Ely Ouse and Wissey catchments recorded exceptionally low flows for the time of year, with the June 2026 month mean flow for the Ely Ouse at Denver being 18% of the LTA. All river flow report sites in the east of the area, except for the Chelmer, recorded below normal or notably low flows for the times of year.

4. Groundwater levels   

Groundwater levels continue to fall in line with the expected seasonal pattern. The majority of report sites ended June 2026 with groundwater levels categorised as normal or below normal for the time of year. The lowest groundwater levels are to the north-east with Hindolveston, Norfolk Chalk, and The Spinney, Wensum Chalk, respectively recording notably low levels for June 2026.

5. Reservoir stocks

Public water supply reservoirs within East Anglia finished June 2026 with levels ranging from 83% to 90% of full storage capacity. All reservoirs ended the month with levels below their respective target curves for the time of year.

Author: Hydrology Team, 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.