Water Situation Report - Gov.uk
Monthly water situation report North East Area Summary – November 2017 Monthly rainfall totals were around average for November with heavy and sometimes wintery showers towards the end of the month. Monthly mean flows were also in the ‘normal’ range with some ‘exceptionally high’ mean daily flows around the 22nd in response to the rain. Soils throughout the area became saturated and reservoir stocks increased slightly. Groundwater levels remain healthy.
Rainfall The start of the month was fairly dry, however the last week of November recorded over 50% of the monthly total over just 3-4 days. The 22nd-24th were particularly wet with over 30mm of rain recorded in just one day for some catchments. The monthly total for the Area was 94% of the long term average and the % LTA varied from 127% around Seaham to 91% in the Tyne catchment. Wintery showers occurred during the last few days of November.
Soil Moisture Deficit Soil moisture increased this month resulting in saturated soils across the whole NE area.
River Flows Mean monthly flows across the area ranged from 100% of the long term average on the Wansbeck to 61% on the River Till. The flow in the majority of rivers began the month in the ‘normal’ range, then dipped to ‘below normal’ mid-month. Rivers peaked around the 22nd-24th in response to the noteworthy daily rainfall totals. As a result of the rain by the last week of November flows had risen to the ‘exceptionally high’ range in response to the wintery showers.
Groundwater Levels Groundwater levels across the North East Area’s aquifers are variable as they show a varied response to a number of heavy rainfall events during the past month. Groundwater levels in the unconfined area of the aquifer, represented by Aycliffe, show a continuing decreasing trend. There were a number of heavy rainfall events early in the month which may not be represented by the plotted data which was recorded during a dry period at the end of the month. This site is very responsive to rainfall therefore any short term rise in water levels may not have been observed. Groundwater levels in the unconfined area of the Magnesian Limestone, represented by West Hall Farm show a rising trend. This site monitors water levels continuously and does appear to show an impact from the heavy rainfall events. All other areas of the Magnesian Limestone have retained high groundwater levels. Groundwater levels in the Fell Sandstone are also declining in the confined area, represented by Royalty likely to be a delayed response to low recharge in previous months. The more responsive, unconfined areas represented by Townlaw show increasing water levels. Groundwater levels are however following typical seasonal trends – unconfined areas of the North East’s aquifers are recording at normal levels with less responsive areas (more confined) still recording above normal levels.
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 2017
1
Reservoir Storage Stocks increased slightly through the month with overall stock at 84% which is around average for the time of year. The Tees reservoirs ended the month full, however Derwent 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 87% Derwent 46% Cow Green 100%
North Tynedale Group 77% Durham Group 88% Lune/Balder Group 100%
Author: GHCL
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 2017
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 2017
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% Sep-17
Jun-17
Mar-17
Dec-16
Sep-17
Jun-17
Mar-17
Dec-16
1-Month Period for Tyne
1-Month Period for Wear
250%
250%
200%
200%
150%
150%
100%
100%
50%
50%
0% Sep-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% Sep-17
Jun-17
Mar-17
Dec-16
Sep-17
Jun-17
Mar-17
Dec-16
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
Jun-17
Mar-17
Sep-17
Jun-17
Mar-17
Dec-16
Dec-16
0%
© Environment Agency 2017
4
Soil Moisture Deficit
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
© Environment Agency 2017
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 2017
6
Exceptionally high Below normal
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
Notably high Notably low
Above normal Exceptionally low
Normal ─── Latest data
© Environment Agency 2017
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
44.5 44.0 43.5
5.5
Level (mAOD)
Level (mAOD)
45.0
5.0 4.5 4.0
43.0 42.5
42.0 Feb-16 May-16 Aug-16 Nov-16 Feb-17 May-17 Aug-17 Nov-17
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
3.5
3.0 Feb-16 May-16 Aug-16 Nov-16 Feb-17 May-17 Aug-17 Nov-17
© Environment Agency 2017
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 Feb-16 May-16 Aug-16 Nov-16 Feb-17 May-17 Aug-17 Nov-17
137.0 Feb-16 May-16 Aug-16 Nov-16 Feb-17 May-17 Aug-17 Nov-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 Feb-16 May-16 Aug-16 Nov-16 Feb-17 May-17 Aug-17 Nov-17
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
© Environment Agency 2017
9
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
Jun
2017
Jul
Min
Max
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Dec
Jun
2017
Mean
100
90
90
80
80
70 60 50 40 30
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Mean
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
Cow Green
Jul
Min
Aug
Max
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Mean
Lune Balder
100
100
90
90
80
80
Percentage of live capacity
Percentage of live capacity
Max
Durham
100
Percentage of live capacity
Percentage of live capacity
Derwent
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 2017
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 The start of the month was fairly dry, however the last week of November recorded over 50% of the monthly total over just 3-4 days. The 22nd-24th were particularly wet with over 30mm of rain recorded in just one day for some catchments. The monthly total for the Area was 94% of the long term average and the % LTA varied from 127% around Seaham to 91% in the Tyne catchment. Wintery showers occurred during the last few days of November.
Soil Moisture Deficit Soil moisture increased this month resulting in saturated soils across the whole NE area.
River Flows Mean monthly flows across the area ranged from 100% of the long term average on the Wansbeck to 61% on the River Till. The flow in the majority of rivers began the month in the ‘normal’ range, then dipped to ‘below normal’ mid-month. Rivers peaked around the 22nd-24th in response to the noteworthy daily rainfall totals. As a result of the rain by the last week of November flows had risen to the ‘exceptionally high’ range in response to the wintery showers.
Groundwater Levels Groundwater levels across the North East Area’s aquifers are variable as they show a varied response to a number of heavy rainfall events during the past month. Groundwater levels in the unconfined area of the aquifer, represented by Aycliffe, show a continuing decreasing trend. There were a number of heavy rainfall events early in the month which may not be represented by the plotted data which was recorded during a dry period at the end of the month. This site is very responsive to rainfall therefore any short term rise in water levels may not have been observed. Groundwater levels in the unconfined area of the Magnesian Limestone, represented by West Hall Farm show a rising trend. This site monitors water levels continuously and does appear to show an impact from the heavy rainfall events. All other areas of the Magnesian Limestone have retained high groundwater levels. Groundwater levels in the Fell Sandstone are also declining in the confined area, represented by Royalty likely to be a delayed response to low recharge in previous months. The more responsive, unconfined areas represented by Townlaw show increasing water levels. Groundwater levels are however following typical seasonal trends – unconfined areas of the North East’s aquifers are recording at normal levels with less responsive areas (more confined) still recording above normal levels.
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 2017
1
Reservoir Storage Stocks increased slightly through the month with overall stock at 84% which is around average for the time of year. The Tees reservoirs ended the month full, however Derwent 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 87% Derwent 46% Cow Green 100%
North Tynedale Group 77% Durham Group 88% Lune/Balder Group 100%
Author: GHCL
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 2017
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 2017
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% Sep-17
Jun-17
Mar-17
Dec-16
Sep-17
Jun-17
Mar-17
Dec-16
1-Month Period for Tyne
1-Month Period for Wear
250%
250%
200%
200%
150%
150%
100%
100%
50%
50%
0% Sep-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% Sep-17
Jun-17
Mar-17
Dec-16
Sep-17
Jun-17
Mar-17
Dec-16
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
Jun-17
Mar-17
Sep-17
Jun-17
Mar-17
Dec-16
Dec-16
0%
© Environment Agency 2017
4
Soil Moisture Deficit
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
© Environment Agency 2017
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 2017
6
Exceptionally high Below normal
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
Notably high Notably low
Above normal Exceptionally low
Normal ─── Latest data
© Environment Agency 2017
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
44.5 44.0 43.5
5.5
Level (mAOD)
Level (mAOD)
45.0
5.0 4.5 4.0
43.0 42.5
42.0 Feb-16 May-16 Aug-16 Nov-16 Feb-17 May-17 Aug-17 Nov-17
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
3.5
3.0 Feb-16 May-16 Aug-16 Nov-16 Feb-17 May-17 Aug-17 Nov-17
© Environment Agency 2017
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 Feb-16 May-16 Aug-16 Nov-16 Feb-17 May-17 Aug-17 Nov-17
137.0 Feb-16 May-16 Aug-16 Nov-16 Feb-17 May-17 Aug-17 Nov-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 Feb-16 May-16 Aug-16 Nov-16 Feb-17 May-17 Aug-17 Nov-17
www.gov.uk/environment-agency
© Environment Agency 2017
9
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
Jun
2017
Jul
Min
Max
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Dec
Jun
2017
Mean
100
90
90
80
80
70 60 50 40 30
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Mean
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
Cow Green
Jul
Min
Aug
Max
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Mean
Lune Balder
100
100
90
90
80
80
Percentage of live capacity
Percentage of live capacity
Max
Durham
100
Percentage of live capacity
Percentage of live capacity
Derwent
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 2017
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
