Research and analysis

North West water situation: March 2024 summary

Updated 15 April 2024

Applies to England

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

1. Rainfall

Rainfall for North West England for March was classed as above normal receiving 132% of the long term average (LTA). Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire (GMC) observed 138% of the LTA for March classed as notably high and Cumbria and Lancashire (CLA) observed 136% of the LTA for March classed as above normal.

The highest rainfall (in terms of LTA) was observed in the Cheshire Rivers Group hydrological area (166% of the LTA) classed as notably high. The lowest being recorded in the Esk (Dumfries) hydrological area (100% of the LTA) which continues the trend of notably lower rainfall (in terms of LTA) being seen in this area when compared to the rest of the North West over the last 12 months. All other hydrological areas across the North West observed rainfall classed as above normal with the exception of Wyre and Lune which was classed as notably high.

The 3-month cumulative rainfall totals show all hydrological areas in the North West being classed between exceptionally high and above normal with the highest rainfall being observed in the Wyre and Lune hydrological area and the lowest in the Esk (Dumfries). All hydrological areas in the North West except the Esk (Dumfries) and the Eden observed rainfall within the top 10 wettest 3 month cumulative period from January to March since 1871.

The 6-month cumulative rainfall totals show all hydrological areas classed as exceptionally high with the exception of the Esk (Dumfries) which is classed as normal. The North West observed it’s second wettest period covering October to March since 1871 with GMC observing it’s record rainfall for that period with 750mm of rain, breaking the previous record of 686mm in 1981.

The 12-month cumulative rainfall totals show the same pattern seen in the 6-month totals with the rainfall in all areas except the Esk (Dumfries) classed as exceptionally high. This was the wettest 12-month period since 1871 for both GMC and CLA and the second wettest overall for the North West. Highest cumulative 12-month rainfall since 1871 was observed in the Cheshire Rivers Group, Wyre and Lune, Mersey and Irwell, Kent and Douglas hydrological areas.

2. Soil moisture deficit and recharge

Due to continued saturation of many of the MORECS squares covering the North West at the end of March soil moisture deficits (SMD) have mostly remained the same when compared with the end of February. All areas that were not saturated at the end of February saw a decrease in SMD levels and by the end of March all areas had reached full saturation which is lower than expected for the time of year.

3. River flows

River flows across North West England for March were classed between notably high and normal with the highest flow (in terms of the LTA) observed in the Weaver catchment with 191% of the LTA, which was classed as notably high. The lowest flow was observed in the Tame catchment with 104% of the LTA, which was classed as normal. The lowest flows in North West England were observed in Irwell and Upper Mersey catchments (mostly classed as normal and in Tame as above normal) as the result of lower rainfall in the area. The river Weaver (classed as notably high) and the river Dane (classed as above normal) observed higher flows as the result of higher rainfall in the Cheshire Rivers Group hydrological area. All rivers in CLA also observed higher flows which were classed between above normal and notably high except in Esk and Yarrow (classed as normal) as the result of above normal and notably high rainfall in the area.

4. Groundwater levels   

Groundwater levels across the North West at the end March were classed between exceptionally high and normal. The level at Bruntwood Hall decreased from exceptionally high to notably high since the end of February. All other sites remained at the same classification with Priors Heyes and Richmond Park being classed as exceptionally high, Skirwith as notably high, Brown Bank Lay-By as above normal and Lea Lane as normal. Levels at Priors Heyes remain high compared to historic levels because the aquifer is recovering from the effects of historically high abstractions.

5. Reservoir stocks

Total reservoir stocks increased slightly from 92% at the end of February to 93% at the end of March, slightly lower than the average of 94% usually observed at the end of March and equal to the 93% recorded last year. At the end of March reservoir storage was highest (in terms of percentage) at Crummock, Ennerdale and Lake Vyrnwy which have all remained 100% full since the end of February. Storage was lowest at Longdendale (77%). The combined storage at Haweswater and Thirlmere was 98% higher than the average of 93% but slightly lower than last year’s storage which was 99%.

Reservoirs kept low for maintenance works include Audenshaw No.1, Torside, and Woodhead (part of the Longdendale system), Anglezarke, and High Bullough (part of the Rivington system); Dingle (part of the Bolton supply system), Harlock (part of the Poaka Beck system), Kitcliffe (part of the Piethorne Valley system), Ogden Lower (part of the Ogden (Barley) system), Alston No.2 (Longridge system) and Llyn Celyn (part of the Dee (Celyn and Brenig) system).

Author: Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire Hydrology Team, hydrology.GMMYCH@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.