Water Situation Report - Gov.uk
Monthly water situation report North East Area Summary – December 2017 With the exception of the Tyne catchment, the Area recorded lower than average monthly rainfall. Rivers fluctuated between ‘below normal’ and ‘exceptionally high’ through the month but in general were ‘normal’ for the time of year. Soils remain saturated and reservoirs showed a slight increase in stocks. Groundwater in the Magnesium Limestone is ‘exceptionally high’, with all other groundwater indicator sites at ‘normal’ levels.
Rainfall With the exception of the Tyne, all catchments recorded rainfall totals which were ‘below normal’ for December. Across the area totals were between 67% of 96% of the monthly Long Term Average (LTA). The largest daily totals were around the 1st and the 25th of the month. Snow fell around the 22nd and then again on the 29th, which didn’t last for longer in the lower catchments but remained on the ground for an extended period in the upper valleys of the Cheviots.
Soil Moisture Deficit Deficit remains at zero for the whole North East area as soils are saturated.
River Flows Monthly mean flows were within the ‘normal’ range for the month at varied between 65% and 114% of the LTA. Daily mean flows were ‘normal’ for the majority of days through the month, with rivers peaking to ‘exceptionally high’ levels around the 7th and 25th for the majority of catchments in response to the rain and snow. Flows in the Till remained’ below normal’ for some time during the first half of the month, dropping to ‘exceptionally low’ flows for a few days around the 23rd. Stanhope gauging station on the River Wear continues to have no flow data due to construction work on site.
Groundwater Levels Groundwater levels across the North East Area’s aquifers are variable but they show a typical response to lower than average rainfall across the area in the last month. Groundwater levels in the unconfined area of the Magnesian Limestone aquifer, represented by Aycliffe, show a slight increase in the last month in line with some heavy rainfall events in that area in December, but remain within the normal levels for this time of year. Groundwater levels in the semi-confined area of the Magnesian Limestone, represented by West Hall Farm, show a recent slight downward trend from above normal into a normal level for this time of year. This site monitors water levels continuously and does appear to show an impact from the heavy rainfall events. The confined area of the Magnesian Limestone, represented by the borehole at Red Lion, has an exceptionally high level for December. Unlikely to be affected by recent isolated rainfall events, this elevated level is most likely due to the delay in the higher-than-normal rainfall in the preceding six months from reaching the aquifer. Groundwater levels in the Fell Sandstone are also declining in the semi-confined area, represented by Royalty Observation. Levels have fallen from notably higher levels in the latter half of 2017 to a normal level for December and this is likely to be a delayed response to low recharge in previous months. The more responsive, unconfined areas of the Fell Sandstone aquifer, represented by Townlaw, show a recent decline in groundwater levels due to below average rainfall in the catchment over December, despite some heavy rainfall events towards the end of the month.
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.
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
© Environment Agency 2018
1
Reservoir Storage All reservoirs showed a small increase in stocks, with Cow Green and the Lune Balder Group increasing to full capacity by the end of the month. Derwent reservoir remains notably low and is continuing to be supported by releases from the Kielder tunnel into both the River Derwent and Mosswood water treatment works to conserve stocks and allow the reservoir to refill. Current Stocks: Kielder 91% Derwent 50% Cow Green 100%
North Tynedale Group 85% Durham Group 94% Lune/Balder Group 100%
Author: GWHCL
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.
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
© Environment Agency 2018
2
Rainfall
Total rainfall (as a percentage of the long term average) for hydrological areas across North East England for the current month, the last three months, the last six months, and the last 12 months, classed relative to an analysis of respective historic totals. NCIC (National Climate Information Centre) data based on the Met Office 5km gridded rainfall dataset derived from rain gauges (Source: Met Office © Crown Copyright 2017). Provisional data based on Environment Agency 1km gridded rainfall dataset derived from Environment Agency intensity rain gauges.
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
© Environment Agency 2018
3
Above average rainfall
Below average rainfall
1-Month Period for Tweed
1-Month Period for Northumbria North Sea Tribs
300%
250%
250% 200%
200% 150% 150%
100% 100%
50% 50%
0%
0% Oct-17
Jul-17
Apr-17
Jan-17
Oct-17
Jul-17
Apr-17
Jan-17
1-Month Period for Tyne
1-Month Period for Wear 250%
250%
200%
200%
150%
150%
100%
100%
50%
50%
0% Oct-17
1-Month Period for Tees
1-Month Period for Seaham, Peterlee Coastal Area 250%
250%
200%
200%
150%
150%
100%
100%
50%
50%
0%
0% Oct-17
Jul-17
Apr-17
Jan-17
Oct-17
Jul-17
Apr-17
Jan-17
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
Jul-17
Apr-17
Oct-17
Jul-17
Apr-17
Jan-17
Jan-17
0%
© Environment Agency 2018
4
Soil Moisture Deficit
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
© Environment Agency 2018
5
River Flow
Some features of this map are based on digital spatial data licensed from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, © CEH. Includes material based on Ordnance Survey 1:50 000 maps with the permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Environment Agency, 100026380, 2017.
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
© Environment Agency 2018
6
Exceptionally high Below normal
Notably high Notably low
Above normal Exceptionally low
Normal ─── Latest data
STANHOPE, WEAR Ranking used data from 01/10/1958 to 31/12/2012
30
Daily Mean Flow (cumecs)
25
no data available from 21st May
20
15
10
5
0 21-Jul-16
21-Sep-16
21-Nov-16
21-Jan-17
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
21-Mar-17
21-May-17
21-Jul-17
© Environment Agency 2018
7
Groundwater Levels
Some features of this map are based on digital spatial data licensed from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, © CEH. Includes material based on Ordnance Survey 1:50 000 maps with the permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Environment Agency, 100026380, 2017 Geological map reproduced with kind permission from UK Groundwater Forum, BGS © NERC
Exceptionally high Below normal
Notably high Notably low
Above normal Exceptionally low
Normal ─── Latest data
ROYALTY OBSERV.
RED LION
Ranking derived from data for the period Dec-1990 to Dec-2012
Ranking derived from data for the period Aug-1993 to Dec-2012
46.0
6.0
45.5
5.5
Level (mAOD)
Level (mAOD)
45.0
44.5 44.0 43.5
5.0 4.5 4.0
43.0 3.5
42.5
42.0 Mar-16 Jun-16
Sep-16 Dec-16 Mar-17 Jun-17
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
Sep-17 Dec-17
3.0 Mar-16 Jun-16
Sep-16 Dec-16 Mar-17 Jun-17
Sep-17 Dec-17
© Environment Agency 2018
8
Exceptionally high Below normal
Notably high Notably low
Above normal Exceptionally low
Normal ─── Latest data
AYCLIFFE NRA2
TOWNLAW
Ranking derived from data for the period Mar-1979 to Dec-2012
Ranking derived from data for the period Aug-2001 to Nov-2012
139.0 85
138.8
138.4
Level (mAOD)
Level (mAOD)
138.6 83
138.2
81
138.0 137.8
79
137.6 137.4
77
137.2
75 Mar-16 Jun-16
Sep-16 Dec-16 Mar-17 Jun-17
137.0 Mar-16 Jun-16
Sep-17 Dec-17
Sep-16 Dec-16 Mar-17 Jun-17
Sep-17 Dec-17
WEST HALL FARM Ranking derived from data for the period Mar-1979 to Dec-2012
3.0
Level (mAOD)
2.6 2.2 1.8 1.4
1.0 Mar-16 Jun-16
Sep-16 Dec-16 Mar-17 Jun-17
Sep-17 Dec-17
Reservoir Stocks – Data from the Water Company N Tyne Group 100
90
90
80
80
Percentage of live capacity
Percentage of live capacity
Kielder 100
70 60 50 40 30
70 60 50 40 30 20
20 10
10 0 Jan
0 Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
2017
Jun
Min
Jul
Max
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
Aug
Mean
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
2017
Jul
Min
Max
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Mean
© Environment Agency 2018
9
Reservoir Stocks – Data from the Water Company Durham 100
90
90
80
80
Percentage of live capacity
Percentage of live capacity
Derwent 100
70 60 50 40 30
70 60 50 40 30
20
20
10
10
0
0 Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
2017
Jul
Min
Max
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
Mean
May
Jun
2017
Aug
Max
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Mean
Lune Balder
100
100
90
90
80
80
Percentage of live capacity
Percentage of live capacity
Cow Green
Jul
Min
70 60 50 40 30
70 60 50 40 30
20
20
10
10
0
0 Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
2017
Jun
Jul
Min
Max
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
Aug
Mean
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
2017
Jun
Min
Jul
Max
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Mean
© Environment Agency 2018
10
Glossary Term
Definition
Aquifer Areal average rainfall
A geological formation able to store and transmit water. The estimated average depth of rainfall over a defined area. Expressed in depth of water (mm). The rainfall available to percolate into the soil or produce river flow. Expressed in depth of water (mm). The water found in an aquifer The process of increasing the water stored in the saturated zone of an aquifer. Expressed in depth of water (mm). The reservoir capacity normally usable for storage to meet established reservoir operating requirements. It is the total capacity less that not available because of operating agreements or physical restrictions. Only under abnormal conditions, such as a severe water shortage might this additional water be extracted. The difference between the amount of water actually in the soil and the amount of water that the soil can hold. Expressed in depth of water (mm).
Effective rainfall Groundwater Recharge Reservoir live capacity
Soil moisture deficit (SMD)
Categories Exceptionally high Notably high Above normal Normal Below normal Notably low Exceptionally low
Value likely to fall within this band 5% of the time Value likely to fall within this band 8% of the time Value likely to fall within this band 15% of the time Value likely to fall within this band 44% of the time Value likely to fall within this band 15% of the time Value likely to fall within this band 8% of the time Value likely to fall within this band 5% of the time
Units cumecs mAOD
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
Cubic metres per second (m3 s-1) Metres Above Ordnance Datum (mean sea level at Newlyn Cornwall).
© Environment Agency 2015
Rainfall With the exception of the Tyne, all catchments recorded rainfall totals which were ‘below normal’ for December. Across the area totals were between 67% of 96% of the monthly Long Term Average (LTA). The largest daily totals were around the 1st and the 25th of the month. Snow fell around the 22nd and then again on the 29th, which didn’t last for longer in the lower catchments but remained on the ground for an extended period in the upper valleys of the Cheviots.
Soil Moisture Deficit Deficit remains at zero for the whole North East area as soils are saturated.
River Flows Monthly mean flows were within the ‘normal’ range for the month at varied between 65% and 114% of the LTA. Daily mean flows were ‘normal’ for the majority of days through the month, with rivers peaking to ‘exceptionally high’ levels around the 7th and 25th for the majority of catchments in response to the rain and snow. Flows in the Till remained’ below normal’ for some time during the first half of the month, dropping to ‘exceptionally low’ flows for a few days around the 23rd. Stanhope gauging station on the River Wear continues to have no flow data due to construction work on site.
Groundwater Levels Groundwater levels across the North East Area’s aquifers are variable but they show a typical response to lower than average rainfall across the area in the last month. Groundwater levels in the unconfined area of the Magnesian Limestone aquifer, represented by Aycliffe, show a slight increase in the last month in line with some heavy rainfall events in that area in December, but remain within the normal levels for this time of year. Groundwater levels in the semi-confined area of the Magnesian Limestone, represented by West Hall Farm, show a recent slight downward trend from above normal into a normal level for this time of year. This site monitors water levels continuously and does appear to show an impact from the heavy rainfall events. The confined area of the Magnesian Limestone, represented by the borehole at Red Lion, has an exceptionally high level for December. Unlikely to be affected by recent isolated rainfall events, this elevated level is most likely due to the delay in the higher-than-normal rainfall in the preceding six months from reaching the aquifer. Groundwater levels in the Fell Sandstone are also declining in the semi-confined area, represented by Royalty Observation. Levels have fallen from notably higher levels in the latter half of 2017 to a normal level for December and this is likely to be a delayed response to low recharge in previous months. The more responsive, unconfined areas of the Fell Sandstone aquifer, represented by Townlaw, show a recent decline in groundwater levels due to below average rainfall in the catchment over December, despite some heavy rainfall events towards the end of the month.
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.
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
© Environment Agency 2018
1
Reservoir Storage All reservoirs showed a small increase in stocks, with Cow Green and the Lune Balder Group increasing to full capacity by the end of the month. Derwent reservoir remains notably low and is continuing to be supported by releases from the Kielder tunnel into both the River Derwent and Mosswood water treatment works to conserve stocks and allow the reservoir to refill. Current Stocks: Kielder 91% Derwent 50% Cow Green 100%
North Tynedale Group 85% Durham Group 94% Lune/Balder Group 100%
Author: GWHCL
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.
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
© Environment Agency 2018
2
Rainfall
Total rainfall (as a percentage of the long term average) for hydrological areas across North East England for the current month, the last three months, the last six months, and the last 12 months, classed relative to an analysis of respective historic totals. NCIC (National Climate Information Centre) data based on the Met Office 5km gridded rainfall dataset derived from rain gauges (Source: Met Office © Crown Copyright 2017). Provisional data based on Environment Agency 1km gridded rainfall dataset derived from Environment Agency intensity rain gauges.
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
© Environment Agency 2018
3
Above average rainfall
Below average rainfall
1-Month Period for Tweed
1-Month Period for Northumbria North Sea Tribs
300%
250%
250% 200%
200% 150% 150%
100% 100%
50% 50%
0%
0% Oct-17
Jul-17
Apr-17
Jan-17
Oct-17
Jul-17
Apr-17
Jan-17
1-Month Period for Tyne
1-Month Period for Wear 250%
250%
200%
200%
150%
150%
100%
100%
50%
50%
0% Oct-17
1-Month Period for Tees
1-Month Period for Seaham, Peterlee Coastal Area 250%
250%
200%
200%
150%
150%
100%
100%
50%
50%
0%
0% Oct-17
Jul-17
Apr-17
Jan-17
Oct-17
Jul-17
Apr-17
Jan-17
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
Jul-17
Apr-17
Oct-17
Jul-17
Apr-17
Jan-17
Jan-17
0%
© Environment Agency 2018
4
Soil Moisture Deficit
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
© Environment Agency 2018
5
River Flow
Some features of this map are based on digital spatial data licensed from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, © CEH. Includes material based on Ordnance Survey 1:50 000 maps with the permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Environment Agency, 100026380, 2017.
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
© Environment Agency 2018
6
Exceptionally high Below normal
Notably high Notably low
Above normal Exceptionally low
Normal ─── Latest data
STANHOPE, WEAR Ranking used data from 01/10/1958 to 31/12/2012
30
Daily Mean Flow (cumecs)
25
no data available from 21st May
20
15
10
5
0 21-Jul-16
21-Sep-16
21-Nov-16
21-Jan-17
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
21-Mar-17
21-May-17
21-Jul-17
© Environment Agency 2018
7
Groundwater Levels
Some features of this map are based on digital spatial data licensed from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, © CEH. Includes material based on Ordnance Survey 1:50 000 maps with the permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Environment Agency, 100026380, 2017 Geological map reproduced with kind permission from UK Groundwater Forum, BGS © NERC
Exceptionally high Below normal
Notably high Notably low
Above normal Exceptionally low
Normal ─── Latest data
ROYALTY OBSERV.
RED LION
Ranking derived from data for the period Dec-1990 to Dec-2012
Ranking derived from data for the period Aug-1993 to Dec-2012
46.0
6.0
45.5
5.5
Level (mAOD)
Level (mAOD)
45.0
44.5 44.0 43.5
5.0 4.5 4.0
43.0 3.5
42.5
42.0 Mar-16 Jun-16
Sep-16 Dec-16 Mar-17 Jun-17
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
Sep-17 Dec-17
3.0 Mar-16 Jun-16
Sep-16 Dec-16 Mar-17 Jun-17
Sep-17 Dec-17
© Environment Agency 2018
8
Exceptionally high Below normal
Notably high Notably low
Above normal Exceptionally low
Normal ─── Latest data
AYCLIFFE NRA2
TOWNLAW
Ranking derived from data for the period Mar-1979 to Dec-2012
Ranking derived from data for the period Aug-2001 to Nov-2012
139.0 85
138.8
138.4
Level (mAOD)
Level (mAOD)
138.6 83
138.2
81
138.0 137.8
79
137.6 137.4
77
137.2
75 Mar-16 Jun-16
Sep-16 Dec-16 Mar-17 Jun-17
137.0 Mar-16 Jun-16
Sep-17 Dec-17
Sep-16 Dec-16 Mar-17 Jun-17
Sep-17 Dec-17
WEST HALL FARM Ranking derived from data for the period Mar-1979 to Dec-2012
3.0
Level (mAOD)
2.6 2.2 1.8 1.4
1.0 Mar-16 Jun-16
Sep-16 Dec-16 Mar-17 Jun-17
Sep-17 Dec-17
Reservoir Stocks – Data from the Water Company N Tyne Group 100
90
90
80
80
Percentage of live capacity
Percentage of live capacity
Kielder 100
70 60 50 40 30
70 60 50 40 30 20
20 10
10 0 Jan
0 Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
2017
Jun
Min
Jul
Max
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
Aug
Mean
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
2017
Jul
Min
Max
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Mean
© Environment Agency 2018
9
Reservoir Stocks – Data from the Water Company Durham 100
90
90
80
80
Percentage of live capacity
Percentage of live capacity
Derwent 100
70 60 50 40 30
70 60 50 40 30
20
20
10
10
0
0 Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
2017
Jul
Min
Max
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
Mean
May
Jun
2017
Aug
Max
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Mean
Lune Balder
100
100
90
90
80
80
Percentage of live capacity
Percentage of live capacity
Cow Green
Jul
Min
70 60 50 40 30
70 60 50 40 30
20
20
10
10
0
0 Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
2017
Jun
Jul
Min
Max
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
Aug
Mean
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
2017
Jun
Min
Jul
Max
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Mean
© Environment Agency 2018
10
Glossary Term
Definition
Aquifer Areal average rainfall
A geological formation able to store and transmit water. The estimated average depth of rainfall over a defined area. Expressed in depth of water (mm). The rainfall available to percolate into the soil or produce river flow. Expressed in depth of water (mm). The water found in an aquifer The process of increasing the water stored in the saturated zone of an aquifer. Expressed in depth of water (mm). The reservoir capacity normally usable for storage to meet established reservoir operating requirements. It is the total capacity less that not available because of operating agreements or physical restrictions. Only under abnormal conditions, such as a severe water shortage might this additional water be extracted. The difference between the amount of water actually in the soil and the amount of water that the soil can hold. Expressed in depth of water (mm).
Effective rainfall Groundwater Recharge Reservoir live capacity
Soil moisture deficit (SMD)
Categories Exceptionally high Notably high Above normal Normal Below normal Notably low Exceptionally low
Value likely to fall within this band 5% of the time Value likely to fall within this band 8% of the time Value likely to fall within this band 15% of the time Value likely to fall within this band 44% of the time Value likely to fall within this band 15% of the time Value likely to fall within this band 8% of the time Value likely to fall within this band 5% of the time
Units cumecs mAOD
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
Cubic metres per second (m3 s-1) Metres Above Ordnance Datum (mean sea level at Newlyn Cornwall).
© Environment Agency 2015
