Environment Agency Briefing 13 March 2026

Following a significant pumping operation and recent drier weather, floodwater continues to recede and the situation continues to improve on the Somerset Levels and Moors. There are no longer any Flood Warnings in place in Somerset, although three Flood Alerts remain in force: Flood alerts and warnings - GOV.UK

The majority of extra pumps deployed throughout the event are no longer needed, and we are now removing pumps that are not being used. Extra pumps are still operating at Huish Episcopi pumping station, but at the majority of pumping stations across the moors, water levels in the drains are now at normal winter levels, and there is no longer enough water for extra pumps to run.

Standing water will remain on many of the fields until it works its way through the network of rhynes to the pumping stations, or in many cases where there is no gravity drainage, until the water soaks back into the ground.

We will begin demobilising pumps at Westonzoyland, Westover, Midelney and Dunball in the coming days, and the pumps at Elson’s Clyce will be removed on Tuesday 17 March. The extra pumps at Saltmoor are expected to be removed week commencing 23 March.

The following roads will be closed for pump removal:

Confirmed - Tuesday 17 March, 9am – 5pm: Huntworth Lane, near the Thatchers Arms, for the removal of pumps at Elson’s Clyce.

There will be a road closure at West Yeo Road for the removal of pumps at Saltmoor Pumping Station the following week. We will issue a further update to confirm road closure dates, but this is likely to be Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 March.

The forecast is for showers today and drier weather tomorrow, with no significant rainfall totals expected.

Following this winter’s floods, many members of the public have questions, and we are attending a number of public meetings where we will be speaking about recent flood events. This includes Somerset Council Local Community Network meetings with Parish and Town Council representatives, and the Somerset Rivers Authority board meeting on 20 March, with a segment set aside for public questions.

There will be a multi-agency drop-in for residents affected by flooding in Bathpool in Taunton, on Thursday 30 April from 3pm - 6.30pm at Brittons Ash Community Hall.

If you have queries that you’d like to ask the local team, email WessexEnquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Staff remain on duty 24 hours a day, monitoring assets and operations, forecasts and water levels.