North East water situation: August 2024 summary
Updated 13 September 2024
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2024
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/water-situation-local-area-reports/north-east-water-situation-august-2024-summary
1. Summary
Overall August 2024 was a dry month with very little rainfall recorded in the first 3 weeks. The only notable rainfall fell on 22 August. Monthly rainfall totals were below average for the month. Flows generally decreased throughout the month and monthly mean flows fell within the above normal, normal or below normal ranges. Groundwater levels remained the same as last month, generally falling into the normal or high ranges. Soil moisture deficit (SMD) data recorded an increase in dry soils across the east of the area and also in the north in the Till catchment. Reservoir stocks have varied but remain healthy for the time of year.
2. Rainfall
Monthly rainfall totals were classed as below the long term average (LTA) across all catchments in the North East area. August rainfall totals were classed as normal for the Tweed and Tyne catchments, below normal for Northumbria North Sea Tribs, notably low for Tees and Wear and exceptionally low for the Seaham catchment. Monthly rainfall totals ranged from 27% of the LTA in the Seaham catchment to 81% of the LTA in the Tyne catchment.
In the first 21 days of August very little rainfall was recorded across the area. More rainfall was recorded in the final 10 days with the highest rainfall totals of the month recorded on 22 August.
Cumulative 12 month rainfall totals show that all catchments in the North East area recorded exceptionally high totals.
3. Soil moisture deficit and recharge
Soils are classified as wet in the west of the area and dry around the coast in the east of the area. The Till catchment in the north is also classed as dry for August.
4. River flows
Monthly mean river flows have decreased this month at all indicator sites, with the exception of Rothbury which recorded a very small increase. Monthly mean flows ranged from 33% of the LTA at Rutherford Bridge on the River Greta to 82% of the LTA at Rothbury on the River Coquet.
Analysis of the daily mean flows shows that flows were in the normal, above normal or notably high ranges at the start of the month. Daily mean flows gradually decreased at all indicator sites over the first 21 days of August. River flows increased at all indicator sites at the start of the third week of August following prolonged rainfall across the area. Haydon Bridge on the River South Tyne and Rothbury on the River Coquet recorded exceptionally high flows on 23 August following heavy rainfall. Flows generally decreased across the area in the final few days of August and sites fell within the above normal, normal or below normal ranges by the end of the month.
5. Groundwater levels
Groundwater levels across all reporting boreholes have remained the same since June. West Hall Farm on the Wear Magnesian Limestone, Aycliffe NRA2 on the Skerne Magnesian Limestone and Royal Observation on the Till Fell Sandstone remain in the exceptionally high range. Townlaw on the Fell sandstone remains at below normal levels. Red Lion on the Magnesian Limestone remains normal.
6. Reservoir stocks
Cow Green and Kielder reservoir have seen an increase in stocks this month, with Cow Green recording 100% stock. The remaining reservoirs have recorded a decrease in stocks this month. Overall, reservoir stocks remain healthy for the time of year.
| Reservoir or reservoir group | Percentage of current stocks | Percentage of previous month stocks |
|---|---|---|
| Kielder | 87.3 | 85.8 |
| North Tynedale group | 74.2 | 77.5 |
| Derwent | 81.4 | 89.9 |
| Durham group | 74.6 | 83.1 |
| Lune and Balder group | 82.4 | 89.8 |
| Cow Green | 100 | 98.2 |
Author: GWHCL North East, hydrology.northeast@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.