Research and analysis

North-west England water situation: August 2025 summary

Updated 12 September 2025

Applies to England

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

1. Summary

Rainfall for north-west England during August was classed as notably low, receiving 55% of the long term average (LTA). Higher rainfall totals were observed in Cumbria, compared to southern Lancashire and Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire (GMMC). Soil moisture deficit (SMD) was higher than expected for the time of year for Lancashire and GMMC, and lower than expected for Cumbria. August monthly mean river flows for north-west England were classed as between exceptionally low and normal, with lower flows observed in the south. Groundwater ranged from notably low to exceptionally high. Total reservoir stocks at the end of August for north-west England were 49%, remaining lower than average for this time of year. Some warnings and notices were issued to water abstraction licences across north-west England due to low river flows, however no environmental impacts were reported.

2. Rainfall

Rainfall for north-west England during August was classed as notably low, receiving 55% of the LTA. Cumbria and Lancashire (CLA) received 63% of the LTA and was classed as below normal, however GMMC received less rainfall with 34% of the LTA, classed as exceptionally low.

North-west England saw a clear north-south spatial trend for August rainfall, being wetter in the north and drier in southern areas. All hydrological areas south of the Wyre and Lune were classed as exceptionally low, with areas to the north classed between notably low and normal. The lowest rainfall (in terms of the LTA) was recorded in the Cheshire Rivers Group and Douglas hydrological areas with 33% of the LTA, classed as exceptionally low. The highest rainfall (in terms of the LTA) was recorded in the Kent hydrological area with 92% of the LTA, classed as normal.

The same spatial trend of Cumbria being wetter than Lancashire and GMMC can be observed when looking at cumulative rainfall over the past 3-month and 6-month periods. However, when looking at the 12-month cumulative period ending in August, this spatial trend is no longer observed, with all hydrological areas being classed as receiving below normal or normal rainfall. The exception to this is the Esk (Dumfries) hydrological area which experienced the driest 12-month period on record, classed as exceptionally low.

3. Soil moisture deficit and recharge

Soil moisture deficit across north-west England by the end of August fell between 5mm and 120mm. As expected, it closely mirrors the spatial trend of August rainfall, resulting in SMD being higher than expected for the time of year for Lancashire and GMMC. In north and west Cumbrian hydrological areas, SMD was slightly lower than expected for the time of year.

4. River flows

August monthly mean river flows for north-west England were classed as between exceptionally low and normal. Lower flows were generally observed to the south, with seven flow sites in GMMC and south Lancashire classed as exceptionally low. Monthly mean river flows were generally higher in north Lancashire and Cumbria, classed between notably low and normal. Monthly mean river flows were lowest in the Upper Eden catchment at Kirkby Stephen (21% of the LTA, classed as notably low). Please note that due to station works, monthly mean flows recorded at the River Lune at Caton gauging station and at the River Leven at Newby Bridge gauging station have not been included in the August report.

5. Groundwater levels   

Groundwater levels across north-west England were classed between notably low and exceptionally high. Groundwater classifications changed at:

• Bruntwood Hall, from above normal to exceptionally high
• Great Musgrave, from exceptionally low to notably low
• Richmond Park, from exceptionally high to notably high

All other sites remained the same classification at:

• Brown Bank Lay By, classed as normal
• Furness Abbey, classed as notably high
• Lea Lane, classed as normal
• Primrose Hill, classed as normal
• Priors Heyes, classed as exceptionally high
• Skirwith, classed as normal
• Victoria Road, classed as below normal

Please note that levels at Priors Heyes remain high compared to historic levels because the aquifer is recovering from the effects of historically high abstractions.

6. Reservoir storage

Total reservoir stocks for north-west England decreased from 61% at the end of July to 49% at the end of August. This is lower than the average of 75% usually seen at this time of year and lower than last year when reservoir stocks were 78%.

At the end of August, reservoir storage (in terms of percentage) was highest at Vyrnwy at 75% full and lowest at Rivington at 18%.

The combined storage at Haweswater and Thirlmere was 44% which is lower than the 68% average storage at this time of year and lower than last year when storage was 86%.

Reservoirs kept low for maintenance works include parts of the:

• Lakes supply district – Dubbs
• Ribble supply district – Alston No. 2, Spade Mill No.1, Spade Mill No. 2, Ogden (Barley) Lower, Ogden (Barley) Upper
• Rivington supply district – Anglezarke, High Bullough, Yarrow
• Longdendale supply district – Audenshaw No. 1, Cowm, Torside, Woodhead
• Pennines combined supply district – Cragg, Dingle, Kitcliffe
• Stockport supply district – Ridgegate

7. Water abstraction restrictions and environmental impacts

In CLA, 7 water abstraction licences were issued with warnings or stop notices due to low river flows in August – all cleared by 1 September. In GMMC, 4 water abstraction licences were issued with stop notices – all resumed by 1 September. One reduce notice from March is currently still active in GMMC. No environmental incidents due to low flows have been reported for August.

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 herein.

Author: Cumbria and Lancashire Hydrology Team, hydrology.CMBLNC@environment-agency.gov.uk