Research and analysis

North-west England water situation: October 2025 summary

Updated 12 November 2025

Applies to England

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

1. Summary

Rainfall for north-west England during October was classed as normal, receiving 93% of the long-term average (LTA). Soil moisture deficits (SMD) in Cumbria and Lancashire (CLA) were below the LTA, whereas in Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire (GMMC) levels were above average. October monthly mean river flows for north-west England were generally as expected for the time of year, classed as between below normal and normal. Groundwater levels ranged from below normal to exceptionally high. Total reservoir storage at the end of October for north-west England was 68%, remaining lower than average for this time of year.

2. Rainfall

Rainfall for north-west England during October was classed as normal, receiving 93% of the LTA. CLA received 94% of the LTA and GMMC received 100% of the LTA, both classed as normal.

North-west England saw all hydrological areas receive rainfall classed as normal for October. The lowest rainfall (in terms of the LTA) was recorded in the Derwent hydrological area with 83% of the LTA. The highest rainfall (in terms of the LTA) was recorded in the Mersey and Irwell hydrological area with 107% of the LTA.

Looking at the past 3- and 6-month cumulative periods, Cumbria and northern Lancashire have generally been wetter, with rainfall totals ranging from normal to exceptionally high. Over the past 6 months, west Cumbrian areas have seen the most rainfall, classed as exceptionally high. Comparatively, southern Lancashire and GMMC have been drier, receiving normal rainfall totals. Over a 12-month period, all areas received normal or above normal rainfall, with the exception of the Esk (Dumfries) which saw 75% of the LTA, classed as notably low.

3. Soil moisture deficit and recharge

Soil moisture deficits across north-west England by the end of October fell between 0mm and 48mm. All hydrological areas in CLA were at or near saturation and below the LTA for the time of year. In GMMC, hydrological areas were drier and SMD was above the LTA, notably in the Cheshire Rivers Group hydrological area (15mm above the LTA).

4. River flows

In October, monthly mean river flows across north-west England were predominantly classified as normal. An exception was the river Lune at Lunes Bridge where the lowest monthly mean flow was seen (73% of the LTA) classed as below normal. The highest monthly mean flow was recorded in the Duddon catchment at Duddon Hall, reaching 109% of the LTA.

Please note that data for Newby Bridge on the River Leven in Cumbria was unavailable for October due to temporary eel pass works at the station.

5. Groundwater levels   

Groundwater levels across north-west England were classed between below normal and exceptionally high at the end of October.

Compared to the end of September, groundwater classifications changed at:

• Great Musgrave, from normal to below normal
• Furness Abbey, from exceptionally high to notably high
• Bruntwood Hall, from normal to notably high
• Lea Lane, from normal to above normal
• Richmond Park, from above normal to notably high

All other sites remained the same classification at:

• Brown Bank Lay By, 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, 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 saw a slight increase from 65% at the end of September to 68% at the end of October. However, this is lower than the average of 76% usually seen at this time of year and lower than last year when reservoir storage was 76%.

At the end of October, reservoir storage (in terms of percentage) was highest at Vyrnwy at 88% full and lowest at Rivington at 48%.

The combined storage at Haweswater and Thirlmere was 59% which is lower than the 69% average storage at this time of year and lower than last year when storage was 71%.

Reservoirs kept low for maintenance works included 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, Torside
• Pennines combined supply district – Cragg, Dingle, Kitcliffe

7. Water abstraction restrictions and environmental impacts

During October, 2 water abstraction licences in CLA were issued with stop notices, however these have since been resumed. There were no reported environmental incidents related to prolonged dry weather in either CLA or GMMC.

Author: Cumbria and Lancashire Hydrology Team, hydrology.CMBLNC@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 herein.