Research and analysis

Wessex water situation: February 2026 summary

Updated 12 March 2026

Applies to England

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

1. Summary

February 2026 was the ninth wettest on record for Wessex. An average of 144mm fell across Wessex, 210% the long term average (LTA). For most hydrological areas of Wessex, February 2026 was amongst the ten wettest on record. For both the Dorset Frome and West Dorset Streams, this month was the fourth wettest February on record. Persistent rain throughout early to mid-February and monthly mean river flows responded recording exceptionally high or notably high across the whole of Wessex. Groundwater levels are above normal to exceptionally high levels across Wessex. On the Chalk aquifer all are notably high or exceptionally high. Soil moisture deficit (SMD) in February remained between 0mm to 10mm at the end of the month and are similar to the LTA for this time of year. At the end of the month, reservoir levels for Wessex Water and Bristol Water were approximately 100% capacity. These are in line with the LTA for this time of year.

2. Rainfall

February was the ninth wettest on record, an average of 144mm rain fell across Wessex (210% LTA). There was persistent rainfall throughout early to mid-February with 3 larger rainfall events occurring on 5, 8 and 18 February. All hydrological areas received notably high or exceptionally high rainfall across Wessex. Most hydrological areas received close to or above 200% LTA through February and are within the top 10 wettest February’s on record. The highest cumulative rainfall for February was recorded in the Dorset Frome which received 182mm (219% LTA). For both the Dorset Frome and West Dorset Streams, this month was the fourth wettest February on record. The Bruton Dam rain gauge in the Brue and Axe catchment recorded the highest relative rainfall, 279% LTA (147mm).

Over the past 3 and 6 months, most hydrological areas in Wessex received exceptionally high rainfall. For Wessex, the past 3 months are the second wettest on record with 475mm (179% LTA). The past 6 months are the third wettest on record for the same period with 792mm (148% LTA).

For the past 12 months, all hydrological areas across Wessex received normal or above rainfall. In general, the south of Wessex has recorded more rainfall than the north with the south west of the region reporting notably high rainfall for the period. 

3. Soil moisture

Soil moisture deficit (SMD) remains low across Wessex in response to continuing rainfall. At the end of February all hydrological areas in Wessex recorded an SMD between 0mm to 10mm. SMD was within 5mm of the LTA across all areas in Wessex.

4. River flows

In February, the river flows responded to the continuing wet weather, recording exceptionally high monthly mean flows for the majority of Wessex. In all areas the monthly mean flow was close to or larger than 200% LTA. The Chalk aquifer catchments recorded persistently high daily mean flows in response to high groundwater levels with the River Wylye and Hampshire Avon peaking around 11 February. The Asker at Bridport East Bridge and Sydling Water at Sydling St Nicholas both recorded their highest monthly mean flows for February.

The surface water catchments, including the Somerset Levels and Moors, reported rapid response to rainfall events throughout February due to rain falling on saturated ground.

In general, daily mean flow has peaked and has been falling towards the end of the month but remain above normal or higher for all of the Wessex area.

5. Groundwater levels   

Groundwater levels increased rapidly in response to rainfall throughout February resulting in widespread groundwater flooding. At the end of February, groundwater sites in Wessex were reporting between exceptionally high and above normal levels. Groundwater levels across the Chalk aquifer rose at Chitterne Down, Kingston Russell Road and Tilshead throughout February and peaked around the middle of the month contributing to high monthly mean flows across the area. By the end of the month all but Tilshead were lower than the end of January. Delcombe levels recorded the highest levels at the end of February since records began.

In north Wessex, Allington and Didmarton monitoring the great and inferior Oolite have risen through February with Didmarton peaking towards the end of the month.

6. Reservoir stocks

Both Wessex Water and Bristol Water reservoir levels remain at capacity in February. The combined levels at the end of the month for both Wessex Water and Bristol Water were approximately 100% capacity. These levels are typical for this time of year.

Author: Wessex Hydrology, hyrdrologywessex@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 in this report.