North East water situation: June 2026 summary
Updated 14 July 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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June rainfall totals were normal across the area. Monthly mean river flows increased at most indicator sites, falling within the above normal, normal, below normal and notably low ranges. Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) increased in most catchments. Most reservoirs recorded a decrease in stocks. Groundwater levels fell within the normal range in the Fell Sandstone and above normal in the Magnesian Limestone.
1. Rainfall
Monthly rainfall totals were below the long term average (LTA) in all catchments but classed as normal for the time of year. Rainfall totals ranged from 51% of the LTA in the Seaham catchment to 89% in the Tyne catchment. Cumulative 3-month totals were normal in the Tees and Seaham catchments and below normal across the rest of the area.
Daily rainfall totals were higher in the first half of the month, with the highest totals generally recorded around 3 June. The remainder of the month was drier, although rainfall was recorded on most days.
2. Soil moisture deficit
Soil moisture deficits increased in all catchments except the Tyne catchment. SMDs were 41mm to 70mm in the Tyne catchment and 101mm to 130mm in the Seaham catchment. SMDs were 71mm to 100mm across the rest of the area.
3. River flows
Monthly mean river flows increased at most indicator sites with the exception of Rothbury on the River Coquet and Witton Park on the River Wear. Monthly mean flows ranged from 42% of the LTA at Rothbury to 101% of the LTA at Middleton in Teesdale on the River Tees. Monthly mean flows at Rothbury and Witton Park remained notably low and below normal, respectively, for the time of year. Monthly mean flows at Middleton in Teesdale and Rutherford Bridge on the River Greta remained normal for the time of year. Monthly mean flows at Hartford Bridge on the River Blyth increased to above normal for the time of year. Monthly mean flows at Haydon Bridge on the River South Tyne increased to normal for the time of year.
Daily mean flows increased at all sites at the start of June following a period of decreasing flows at the end of May. Flows at Haydon Bridge, Witton Park, Middleton in Teesdale and Rutherford Bridge were above normal, notably high or exceptionally high during the first 4 days of June. Daily mean flows decreased in the second half of the month at most sites. Haydon Bridge, Middleton in Teesdale, and Rutherford Bridge recorded below normal flows during the final week. Flows at Witton Park were below normal, notably low or exceptionally low from 15 June until the end of the month. Flows at Rothbury were below normal, notably low or exceptionally low for the majority of June, particularly in the second half of the month. Hartford Bridge recorded below normal flows for the majority of June, increasing to above normal, notably high and exceptionally high in the last 5 days.
4. Groundwater levels
In the Fell Sandstone, groundwater levels decreased at Royalty Observation and Townlaw. Despite this decrease, levels at Townlaw changed from below normal to normal for the time of year at the end of June. Levels at Royalty Observation changed from above normal to normal for the time of year. In the Magnesian Limestone, levels decreased at West Hall Farm and Aycliffe Nra2, and increased at Red Lion. However, levels at all 3 sites remained above normal for the time of year, consistent with May.
5. Reservoir stocks
Most reservoirs recorded a decrease in stocks. The largest decrease was recorded in the North Tynedale group which fell from 81% to 72.1% by the end of June. Kielder stocks increased from 91.5% to 92.4% and Cow Green stocks remained at 83.3%, both above average for the time of year. Stocks in the North Tynedale group and Derwent reservoir fell below average for the time of year. Stocks in the Durham and Lune and Balder groups remained below average for the time of year.
Transfers from the Kielder transfer tunnel to support Waskerley reservoir stocks in the Durham group began at the end of May. Hury reservoir in the Lune and Balder group was drawn down in April for reservoir safety work.
| Reservoir or reservoir group | Percentage of current stocks | Percentage of previous month stocks |
|---|---|---|
| Kielder | 92.4 | 91.5 |
| North Tynedale group | 72.1 | 81.0 |
| Derwent | 75.8 | 82.8 |
| Durham group | 69.6 | 77.7 |
| Lune and Balder group | 76.9 | 78.5 |
| Cow Green | 83.3 | 83.3 |
Author: Environment Agency, hydrology.northeast@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.