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Current situation

Groundwater levels are high but have mostly stabilised or are dropping following recent dry weather across the Thames catchment. Groundwater flood alerts have been issued at 5 locations, and a further two locations are at levels that require early awareness.

Groundwater levels in the Lambourn Valley, Leckhampstead, Great Shefford, West and East Ilsley, Compton, Chilton and West Hagbourne areas, all in West Berkshire; and Henley and Assendon in Oxfordshire have reached the levels that require groundwater flood alerts.

The levels at Lower Farringdon (Alton, Hampshire) and Piddington (Bucks) are at levels that require awareness.

This briefing note provides an update on the levels at these 7 locations. It also includes links to a range of websites containing further information.

Levels at Tile Barn Farm (Crondall, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke and Buckskin areas, Hampshire) have dropped below the early awareness level.

Tile Barn Farm Observation Borehole is currently offline, and levels are being derived from two nearby proxy sites. We have good confidence in the relationship between these levels. Works are underway to replace this site after this winter season.

Lambourn Valley

Groundwater levels at the Longacre observation borehole in the Lambourn Valley are falling steadily. 聽However, they remain at a level at which groundwater flooding may affect communities if further sustained periods of rainfall is received.

A groundwater flood alert was issued for this area on 10 December 2024. If the declining trend continues, we may consider removing this in about a week.

Great Shefford

Groundwater levels at the Northfield Farm observation borehole in the Great Shefford area continue to fall slightly. 聽However, levels remain at a level at which groundwater flooding may affect communities.

A groundwater flood alert was issued on 10 December 2024. This will remain in force as levels are expected to remain high and sensitive to further sustained periods of rainfall.

West and East Ilsley, Compton, Chilton and West Hagbourne

Groundwater levels at our Hodcott observation borehole near West and East Ilsley have fallen recently. 聽However, groundwater is still at a level at which flooding may affect communities.

A groundwater flood alert was issued for this area on 30 December 2024. This will remain in force as levels are expected to remain high and sensitive to further sustained periods of rainfall.

Henley and Assendon

Groundwater levels at our Stonor observation borehole have fallen slightly. However, groundwater remains at a level where communities may be impacted.

A groundwater flood alert was issued for this area on 21 January 2025. This will remain in force over the coming weeks as levels are expected to remain high and sensitive to further sustained periods of rainfall.

Leckhampstead

Groundwater levels at our Chapel Wood observation borehole continue to fall.聽

A groundwater flood alert was issued on 11 March 2025. If the declining trend continues, we may consider removing this in about a week.

Alton, East Hampshire

Groundwater levels at our Farringdon observation borehole, near Alton, have dropped further. With the current declining trend, we don鈥檛 expect to issue a groundwater alert.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and we may consider removing this notification over the coming weeks.

Piddington

Groundwater levels at the Piddington observation borehole near West Wycombe and High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, have fallen slightly. With the current declining trend, we do not expect to issue a groundwater alert.

We will continue to monitor closely, and we may consider removing this notification over the coming weeks.

Summary of other groundwater sites

Levels at all our groundwater sites are generally higher than normal. Most have stabilised or are dropping following recent dry weather. Sites remain responsive to further rainfall.

We continue to monitor groundwater levels and will update this briefing note and issue flood alerts as and when appropriate.

Forecast risk of flooding

The Met Office monthly weather forecast indicates that broadly settled conditions will continue for the first half of April.

The . 聽

More details can also be found in the monthly Water Situation Report for England.

What we鈥檙e doing

We will:

• continue to monitor groundwater levels across the area
• monitor and clear screens on main rivers in the area to ensure they flow freely
• if necessary, update local authorities and other responding partners to ensure they are aware of the situation

Actions and advice

To find out if you can register to receive free flood alerts for flooding from groundwater:

• call Floodline on 0345 988 118
• use the聽check for flooding听蝉别谤惫颈肠别

You can monitor daily groundwater levels on the check for flooding website for:

You can view historic levels for our sites on the . This includes Draycot Foliat.

Following the flooding last winter, the Environment Agency reduced the level at which we think impacts are likely to 86.2 mAOD. This is not yet reflected on the 188体育 Check for Flooding website which shows the higher action level of 89.15 mAOD.

Find information on on 188体育.

You should also:

• review your individual and community group flood plans
• check pumps and any other flood protection equipment you have
• keep drains and gullies around your property free of debris
• prepare to move valuables from basements and cellars

Next update

Flood risk increases with the continuing rising groundwater. We will update this briefing note weekly for as long as one or more sites exceed the notification levels. We will also issue updates if the situation changes significantly.

Further information

Find more information on groundwater levels and the water situation report.

You can also get practical advice on what to do before, during and after groundwater flooding on the check for flooding website.

Check the .

Contacts

For more information on the flood alert service and to find out what messages you are registered to receive, call Floodline on 0345 988 118.

Alternatively, you can contact the Environment Agency for more information:

• customers and engagement: [email protected]
• national customer contact centre: 03708 506 506
• incident reporting hotline: 0800 807060