Midlands water situation report: July 2024 summary
Updated 14 August 2024
Applies to England
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1. Summary
Please see Section 7.3 of the main report for a map detailing the Midlands regional coverage of this report.
Rainfall - During July, all hydrological catchments in the Midlands, except Shropshire Plains, received normal rainfall amounts compared to the long term average (LTA). Shropshire Plains received above normal rainfall.
Soil moisture deficit – At the end of July, soil moisture deficit (SMD) increased across the whole of the Midlands from the previous month, meaning soils are drier than in June. However SMD in the Midlands area is less than the LTA, meaning that most soils are still wetter than usual for this time of year.
River flows - In July, the majority of flow monitoring sites recorded above normal monthly mean flows compared to the LTA. Seven sites, Bewdley, Butts Bridge, Deerhurst, Ebley Mill, Redbrook, Tenbury, and Yoxall, recorded normal flows compared to the LTA. Four sites, Evesham, Great Bridgford, Walcot, and Wedderburn Bridge, recorded notably high flows compared to the LTA.
Groundwater levels – As of the end of July, 3 sites, Coxmoor, Four Crosses, and Weir Farm, recorded exceptionally high groundwater levels compared to the LTA. Three sites, Anthony’s Cross, Crossley Hill, and Rider Point, recorded notably high groundwater levels compared to the LTA. The remaining 2 sites, Ram Hall and Southards Lane, recorded normal groundwater levels compared to the LTA.
Reservoir stocks - As of the end of July, the majority of Midlands reservoirs in this report recorded above average storage and 3 reservoirs recorded below average storage. These are Elan, Charnwood, and Derwent reservoirs.
2. Rainfall
During July, all hydrological catchments in the Midlands except Shropshire Plains received normal rainfall totals compared to the LTA. These areas received rainfall totals ranging from 121% to 146% of the LTA. Shropshire Plains received above normal rainfall, with totals of 155% of the LTA.
In the last 3 months, all hydrological catchments in the Midlands except Shropshire Plains, received normal rainfall amounts compared to the LTA. These areas received rainfall totals ranging from 96% to 119% of the LTA. Shropshire Plains received above normal rainfall with totals of 121% of the LTA.
Looking at the last 6 months, all hydrological catchments in the Midlands received either exceptionally high or notably high cumulative rainfall totals compared to the 6-month LTA. Eight hydrological catchments received exceptionally high rainfall totals, ranging from 128% to 154% of the LTA. The remaining 4 hydrological catchments received notably high cumulative rainfall totals compared to the LTA. These were the Soar, Lower Trent, Lower Wye, and Mid Severn.
Over the last 12 months, all hydrological catchments, with the exception of the Lower Wye, received exceptionally high rainfall totals compared to the 12-month LTA. The Lower Wye hydrological catchment received a notably high rainfall total of 131% of the LTA.
3. Soil moisture deficit and recharge
By the end of July, SMD has increased across the whole of the Midlands, meaning that soils are drier than they were in June. In general, by the end of the month the northern and western borders of the Midlands had the lowest SMD values ranging from 11mm to 70mm. This means they have comparatively wetter soils then the more eastern, southern and central parts of the region, which have a SMD ranging between 71mm and 100mm. Compared to the LTA, most of the region experienced less SMD than is typical for the time of year, as a result of greater than usual rainfall. This means that although soils are drier than they were in June, they are still wetter than is typical for the time of year. Most of the region has a difference in SMD of between -6mm and -50mm compared to the LTA. The more easterly part of the region has a difference in SMD of between -5mm and 25mm compared to the LTA. This means that SMD in the east is either the same, or greater than the LTA, so soils are as expected, or drier.
4. River flows
In July, the majority of flow monitoring sites in the Midlands recorded above normal monthly mean flows ranging from 96% to 131% of the LTA. These sites are mainly located in the north-east part of the Midlands. Seven sites recorded normal compared to the LTA. These sites are Bewdley, Butts Bridge, Deerhurst, Ebley Mill, Redbrook, Tenbury, and Yoxall, and they recorded flow ranging from 55% to 105% of the LTA. Four sites, Evesham, Great Bridgford, Walcot, Wedderburn Bridge recorded notably high flows, ranging from 133% to 171% of the LTA. This corresponds with these areas receiving higher monthly rainfall totals in July compared to other areas.
5. Groundwater levels
As of the end of July, groundwater monitoring sites are at exceptionally high, above normal, or normal status. Three sites recorded exceptionally high groundwater levels compared to the LTA. These sites are Coxmoor, Four Crosses, and Weir Farm. Three sites recorded notably high groundwater levels compared to the LTA and these sites are Anthony’s Cross, Crossley Hill, and Rider Point. The remaining 2 sites, Ram Hall and Southards Lane, recorded normal groundwater levels compared to the LTA.
6. Reservoir stocks
As of the end of July, the majority of Midlands reservoirs in this report recorded above average storage and 3 reservoirs recorded below average storage. These 3 reservoirs are Elan, Charnwood, and Derwent reservoirs.
7. River Severn operations
The River Severn is regulated to maintain a minimum flow at Bewdley gauging station. This ensures sufficient water flows along the river to support environmental and water supply requirements. Regulation was instigated when flows dropped below the threshold on 28 June 2024 and there have been 6 days of regulation so far.
8. River Wye operations
As of 5 August 2024, River Wye regulation continues because flows at Redbrook remain below the regulation threshold.
9. Water abstraction restrictions
As of 6 August 2024, there are 28 water abstraction licence restrictions in place across the Midlands affecting 114 licences in total.
Author: Midlands Hydrology, midlandshydrology@environment-agency.gov.uk
Contact details: 03708 506 506
Disclaimer: 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.