Research and analysis

North-west England water situation: September 2025 summary

Updated 14 October 2025

Applies to England

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

1. Summary

Rainfall for north-west England during September was classed as exceptionally high, having received 190% of the long-term average (LTA). Cumbria and Lancashire experienced its fourth wettest September on record since 1871. In response to this, soil moisture deficit (SMD) showed significant recharge with all hydrological areas across Cumbria and Lancashire (CLA) and Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire (GMMC) reaching lower than average SMD values by the end of the month. Mean river flows were classed as between normal and exceptionally high. The highest river flows were seen in Cumbria and the northern part of Lancashire, with many sites classed as exceptionally high. Total reservoir stocks for north-west England showed some recovery, reaching 65% by the end of the month, however this was still lower than average for this time of year.

2. Rainfall

Rainfall for north-west England during September was classed as exceptionally high, receiving 190% of the LTA. CLA received 198% of the LTA which was classed as exceptionally high, the area’s fourth wettest September since 1871. GMMC received 178% of the LTA which was also classed as exceptionally high.

All individual hydrological areas were similarly classed as exceptionally high, except for the Esk in Dumfries which was classed as notably high.

Looking at the past 6 months, Cumbria and the northern part of Lancashire have generally been wetter, with rainfall totals ranging from above normal to exceptionally high for this period. Comparatively, the southern part of Lancashire and GMMC have been drier, with normal to below normal rainfall totals. This is most notable in the Mersey and Irwell catchment which has only seen 85% of the LTA over this period, reflecting the prolonged dry weather earlier this year.

3. Soil moisture deficit and recharge

Soil moisture deficit across the north-west saw a marked recovery during September, with SMD 25mm to 6mm lower than the LTA in all areas by the end of the month. This indicated significant recharge, particularly in Lancashire and GMMC, where SMD was conversely up to 75mm higher than the LTA in August. Generally for September, SMD was lower in Cumbria and the northern part of Lancashire (reflecting the higher rainfall totals received here in the last 6 months), with values increasing towards the south through GMMC into Cheshire.

4. River flows

River flows also saw recovery during September, with flows ranging between normal and exceptionally high. Flows were higher in Cumbria and the northern part of Lancashire, with many sites seeing exceptionally high flows in excess of 200% of the LTA. River flows were slightly lower in GMMC, ranging between normal and above normal. However, this was still a marked improvement compared to the end of August where many sites were classed as exceptionally low. Higher river flows for September reflected the exceptionally high rainfall totals received this month.

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

5. Groundwater levels   

In September, most groundwater sites within the principle permo-triassic sandstone aquifer ranged from normal to exceptionally high. One site, within a superficial aquifer at Victoria Road in GMMC, remained below normal.

In general, dry weather during the spring and early summer limited recharge and resulted in groundwater levels falling earlier in the year than would typically be expected. However, there is now some evidence of groundwater recovery, with levels increasing at a few sites. An example of this is Great Musgrave in the River Eden catchment in Cumbria, which increased from notably low to normal levels.

6. Reservoir stocks

Total reservoir stocks for north-west England saw some recovery during September, increasing from 49% at the end of August to 65% at the end of September. However, this is still lower than average for this time of year (72%), and lower than last year when stocks were 75%.

Total combined stocks in Haweswater and Thirlmere increased from 44% at the end of August to 60% by the end of September. This is slightly lower than average for this time of year (63%) and lower than last year when stocks were 74%.

Haweswater itself improved from 43% at the end of August to 58% at the end of September.

Although recovering, the Stockport and Rivington supply districts in GMMC and Lancashire remained particularly low at 41% and 38% respectively.

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
• Longdendale supply district – Audenshaw No. 1, Torside
• Pennines West supply district – Cragg, Dingle
• Pennines East supply district – Kitcliffe

7. Water abstraction restrictions and environmental impacts

During September, two 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 GMMC or CLA.

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.