Research and analysis

North-west England water situation: February 2025 summary

Updated 12 March 2025

Applies to England

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

1. Rainfall

Rainfall for north-west England was classed as normal with 78% of the long-term average (LTA). The Cumbria and Lancashire (CLA) area observed 84% of the LTA also classed as normal. The Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire (GMC) area observed 54% of the LTA, which was classed as below normal.

During February, rainfall for hydrological areas within north-west England was classed between below normal and normal. Six hydrological areas were classed as normal and four hydrological areas were classed as below normal. The highest rainfall (in terms of the LTA) was recorded in the Esk (Cumbria) hydrological area with 104% of the LTA classed as normal. The lowest rainfall (in terms of the LTA) was recorded in the Cheshire Rivers Group with 51% of the LTA classed as below normal. There was a clear spatial trend in rainfall across north-west England, with hydrological areas located in the south receiving below normal rainfall, and hydrological areas located in the north receiving more rainfall, classed as normal.

Cumulative rainfall over the last 3 months was classed between normal and above normal. The 3-month cumulative rainfall distribution shows a different pattern to January, with higher 3-month cumulative rainfall totals recorded in the south and lower 3-month cumulative rainfall totals recorded in the north.

The 6-month cumulative rainfall period sees a similar trend, with lower 6-month cumulative rainfall totals in the north and higher 6-month cumulative rainfall totals in the south. The Esk (Dumfries), Eden, and Derwent hydrological areas had rainfall classed as below normal. The Esk (Dumfries) 6-month cumulative rainfall total (478.3mm) was the fifth driest since 1871. The Cheshire Rivers Group hydrological area had rainfall classed as exceptionally high, at 144% of the LTA.

12-month cumulative rainfall totals display a more varied pattern but reflect how wet the last 12 months have been, with all hydrological areas observing normal rainfall or above. The lowest 12-month cumulative rainfall total was observed in the Ribble hydrological area at 106% of the LTA, classed as normal. The highest 12-month cumulative rainfall total was observed in the Cheshire Rivers Group at 137% of the LTA, classed as exceptionally high, the fourth highest 12-month rainfall total (1059.2mm) since 1871. All other hydrological areas were classed as above normal or notably high.

2. Soil moisture deficit and recharge

In response to the rainfall observed in the second half of the month, notably on the 26th of February, soils across north-west England remained saturated at the beginning of March. SMD levels were as expected for the time of year.

3. River flows

February monthly mean river flows for north-west England were classed as between exceptionally low and normal. Monthly mean river flows within 17 river flow sites were classed as between below normal and normal. Lower monthly mean flows were generally observed to the south, with 7 river flow sites classed as notably low and one river flow site classed as exceptionally low. River flows were highest (in terms of percentage of the LTA) in the Weaver catchment at Ashbrook (87% of the LTA, classed as normal), and lowest in the Tame catchment at Portwood (45% of the LTA, classed as exceptionally low).

4. Groundwater levels   

Groundwater levels across north-west England at the end of February were classed between normal and exceptionally high. Groundwater levels at:

• Skirwith, decreased, from above normal to normal
• Brown Bank Lay-By, decreased, from above normal to normal
• Victoria Road, decreased, from above normal to normal
• Bruntwoood Hall, increased, from normal to above normal
• Furness Abbey, increased, from above normal to notably high

All other indicator sites remained at the same classification at:

• Lea Lane, classed as normal
• Primrose Hill, classed as normal
• Great Musgrave, classed as normal
• Priors Heyes, classed as exceptionally high
• Richmond Park, classed as exceptionally high

Please note, levels at Priors Heyes remain high compared to historic levels because the aquifer is recovering from the effects of historically high abstractions.

5. Reservoir storage

Total reservoir storage for north-west England increased from 85% from the end of January, to 87% at the end of February. This is lower than the average of 92% at this time of year, and lower than this time last year when total reservoir storage for north-west England was 92%. 

At the end of February, reservoir storage (in terms of percentage) was highest at Crummock Water and Lake Vyrnwy, both at 100% full and lowest (in terms of percentage) at Longdendale which was 73% full.

The combined storage at Haweswater and Thirlmere was at 84% which is lower than the average of 91% seen at this time of year and also lower than this time last year when storage was 98%.

Reservoirs kept low for maintenance works include part of the:

• Longdendale system – Audenshaw No.1, Torside
• Rivington system – Anglezarke, and High Bullough
• Bolton supply system – Dingle
• Piethorne Valley system – Norman Hill, Kitcliffe, and Rooden
• Ogden (Barley) system – Ogden Lower, and Ogden Upper
• Barnacre Group system – Barnacre North
• Longridge system - Alston No.1, Alston No.2, and Spade Mill No.2
• Dee (Celyn and Brenig) system – Llyn Celyn
• Dubbs system – Dubbs
• Watergrove system – Watergrove

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.