Research and analysis

Kent and South London water situation: February 2026 summary

Updated 12 March 2026

Applies to England

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

1. Summary

In February, the Kent South London and East Sussex (KSLES) area received 158% of long term average (LTA) rainfall, ranging from 135% in the Sheppey catchment in the North, to 179% in the Romney Marsh catchment in the East. February was characterised by early and mid‑month rainfall peaks, with subdued totals thereafter. Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) continued to remain low across the area, with all catchments being below their LTA for this time of year. The effective rainfall recorded in February was 192% of the LTA average. Monthly mean flows (MMFs) ranged from normal to exceptionally high. Groundwater levels ranged from normal to notably high. Due to high Groundwater levels in the east of the patch, increased monitoring is being carried out during this period of high flow. Two out of five water company reservoirs in KSLES – Bewl and Darwell – saw a rise in levels during February, the remaining reservoir levels stayed stable throughout the month.

2. Rainfall

During February, the KSLES area received 158% of the LTA rainfall for the time of year, based on a whole-area average. Rainfall received in the KSLES area ranged from above normal to notably high. The percentage of LTA rainfall received ranged from 135% in the Sheppey catchment in the North, to 179% in the Romney Marsh catchment in the East. The highest daily rainfall total of 26.0mm was observed on day 18 of the month at Brede PS TBR in the Eastern Rother catchment. 

Rainfall in February was generally higher at the start and the middle of the month, with much lower totals throughout the remainder of the month. The top 5 highest rainfall days were 18, 5, 15, 1, and 12 February. There were no dry days in February that recorded rainfall less than 0.2mm. The lowest recorded rainfall total was 0.9mm on 17 February.

3. Soil moisture deficit and recharge

At the end of February, SMDs continued to remain close to zero across the area. Although individual catchments showed a very slight increase compared to January, deficits stayed minimal overall. This decline reflects the exceptionally high rainfall experienced throughout the month. The effective rainfall recorded in February was 192% of the LTA average. The elimination of SMDs across the area was significant for the months of January and February. This meant soils became fully saturated allowing an increased rate of recharge of groundwater with the effective rainfall received.

4. River flows

Monthly Mean Flows (MMFs) in February ranged from normal to exceptionally high. Normal flows were observed at the River Wandle at Connolly’s Mill, in the north-west of the patch. Above normal flows recorded at the Ravensbourne at Catford, the Darent at Hawley and the Eden at Vexour/Penshurst. Notably high flows were recorded at the Mole at Dorking in the west and the Medway at Teston, the Teise at Stonebridge, the Rother at Udiam and the Dour at Crabble in the center and east of the patch. The East Stour at South Willesborough and the Stour at Horton recorded exceptionally high flows. River baseflows have continued to increase due to the reduced SMDs and healthy groundwater recharge.

5. Groundwater levels   

Groundwater levels across the KSLES area continued rising, to range from normal to notably high. In the chalk aquifer, Chipstead, Sweeps Lane, Riddles Lane and Fleete Reservoir registered normal levels for this time of year. Chipstead has recovered and recharged well since the end of December due to the increased effective rainfall received in January and February. In the East, Little Bucket registered above normal levels, and Wolverton registered as notably high. With high groundwater levels in the East, winter-bournes like the Nailbourne and the Alkham Bourne have begun to flow. Increased monitoring is being carried out during this period of high flow, groundwater situation reports are published on GOV.UK. Groundwater levels in the Lower Greensand aquifer at Riverhead, located in the central west of the area, were above normal at the end of February.

6. Reservoir stocks

Two out of five water company reservoirs in KSLES – Bewl and Darwell – saw a rise in levels during February; the remaining reservoir levels stayed stable throughout the month.

By the end of February, the reservoirs held by the following live storage capacities and LTA class:   

• Bewl – 94% normal 
• Darwell – 100% notably high
• Bough Beech – 100% notably high
• Powdermill – 100% above normal
• Weir Wood – 100% above normal 

7. Environmental impact 

There were 21 fluvial flood alerts and 10 fluvial flood warnings issued in February. A groundwater flood alert was issued on 13 February, and 2 updates have been issued on the 20 and 27 February.

Author: Groundwater and Hydrology Team, ksl.gwh@environment-agency.gov.uk

Contact Details: 03708 506 506

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.