Research and analysis

Kent and South London water situation: November 2025 summary

Updated 11 December 2025

Applies to England

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

1. Summary

In November, the Kent, South London and East Sussex (KSLES) area received 75% of long term average (LTA) rainfall, ranging from 63% in Sheppey to 89% in Dover Chalk. Rainfall was relatively evenly distributed, with frequent light to moderate showers and only one dry day. The highest daily total was 29.9mm on 10 November at Sellindge in the Stour catchment. Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) declined across all catchments, with 5 of 13 remaining above LTA. Southern catchments such as Dover Chalk, Medway, and Eastern Rother recorded 0mm, reflecting the impact of consistent effective rainfall, which amounted to 34% of LTA across the entire KSLES area. Monthly Mean Flows (MMFs) were generally normal, though below‑normal flows were seen at the Wandle and Teise, and exceptionally low flows at the Ravensbourne due to clay geology and urbanization. Groundwater levels varied, with Chipstead and Sweeps Lane declining, while Wolverton and Fleete Reservoir rose within normal ranges. Reservoir stocks increased, with all 5 reservoir levels rising in November.

2. Rainfall

During November, the KSLES area received 75% of the LTA rainfall for the time of year, based on a whole-area average. Rainfall received across individual catchments was normal for this time of year. The percentage of LTA rainfall received ranged from 63% in the Sheppey catchment in the north, to 89% in the Dover Chalk catchment in the east. The highest daily rainfall total of 29.9mm was observed on day 10 of the month at Sellindge sewage treatment works rain gauge in the Stour catchment. 

Rainfall in November was more evenly spread across the month, with frequent light to moderate showers providing a steady contribution to totals. The top 5 highest rainfall days were 10, 1, 22, 29 and 14 November. Overall, the month was characterised by consistent precipitation rather than being dominated by short, intense downpours. November featured one dry day across the KSLES area, defined as a day with 0.2mm or less recorded rainfall. This occurred on 12 November.

3. Soil moisture deficit and recharge

SMDs decreased across all catchments during November. By the end of the month, 5 of the 13 catchments still recorded values above the LTA. Most catchments, however, showed a marked reduction, with several in the south – including Dover Chalk, Medway, and Eastern Rother – registering SMDs of 0mm. This decline was driven by the small but consistent wetter days and the effective rainfall received across the area during November, which amounted to 34% of the LTA. Overall, SMDs ranged from 0mm to 149 mm at the end of November, compared with 23mm to 171 mm at the end of October, highlighting the month‑on‑month decrease.

4. River flows

Monthly Mean Flows (MMFs) at key indicator sites in November were generally within the normal range across the area. Below‑normal flows were observed at the Wandle at Connolly’s Mill and the River Teise at Stonebridge, while the River Ravensbourne at Catford in the northwest recorded exceptionally low values. These 3 sites are underlain by clay‑rich geology, which limits the contribution of groundwater baseflows, and two are situated in heavily urbanised catchments where effective rainfall reaching the rivers is reduced. As a result, the lower‑than‑average flows observed are less concerning for this time of year, given the influence of geology, land use, and effective rainfall conditions.

5. Groundwater levels 

Groundwater levels in the Chalk across the KSLES area continued to show variation at the end of November. At Chipstead, in the western part of the patch, levels continued to fall steadily and were exceptionally low by month-end. Little Bucket and Sweeps Lane levels declined, recording below normal levels. In contrast, Fleete Reservoir, Riddles Lane and Wolverton registered normal levels, with Fleete Reservoir making a slight rise and Wolverton showing a steep rise, and Riddles Lane decreasing slightly, while remaining within the normal range. In the Greensand aquifer, groundwater levels at Riverhead remained the same and stayed above normal. The variation in groundwater levels this month is largely influenced by effective rainfall largely due to elevated SMDs. In locations such as Chipstead, much of the rainfall was absorbed by the dry soil, reducing aquifer recharge. This is Associated with the significant difference between current SMDs and their long‑term averages in the Chipstead area.

6. Reservoir stocks

All 5 water company reservoirs in KSLES saw a rise in levels during November, primarily during the last half of the month.  

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

• Darwell – 54% as normal
• Bewl – 43% as notably low
• Bough Beech – 53% as normal
• Powdermill – 54% as normal
• Weir Wood – 100% as above normal

7. Environmental impact 

Widespread hands-off flow restrictions were lifted during the previous month of October, except for those impacting a small number of abstractors in the Stour catchment, who remained subject to these constraints throughout November. Hands-off groundwater level restrictions, which were imposed on a small number of abstractors from mid-August to late October, persisted throughout November. However, some were lifted as groundwater levels began to recover at certain locations linked to abstraction licences.  

No fluvial flood alerts or warnings were issued during November.

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.