Thames Area drought update

We are using this page to share information about the prolonged period of dry weather in Thames Area. You will find the latest news, information and frequently asked questions and answers about our work.

We have been in drought since 29 July 2026, following a dry Spring, where we received around 42% of the long-term average rainfall. July and August have had approximately 1% of the long-term average rainfall. River flows continue to reduce following the low rainfall with many in the below normal range.

Check our latest news below for updates or look at our FAQs tool for more information. You can contact us with any enquiries or call our incident hotline to report environmental incidents. We will continue to keep this page updated with news and any opportunities for you to get involved

Please register with EHQ to get the best experience on the platform, and to enable interaction with any tools on this page.

We encourage you to subscribe to this project to make it easier for you to follow this and any other projects you are interested in. We may contact you if there are significant updates or important changes to information, however please note that you will not automatically be notified for standard updates or edits.



We are using this page to share information about the prolonged period of dry weather in Thames Area. You will find the latest news, information and frequently asked questions and answers about our work.

We have been in drought since 29 July 2026, following a dry Spring, where we received around 42% of the long-term average rainfall. July and August have had approximately 1% of the long-term average rainfall. River flows continue to reduce following the low rainfall with many in the below normal range.

Check our latest news below for updates or look at our FAQs tool for more information. You can contact us with any enquiries or call our incident hotline to report environmental incidents. We will continue to keep this page updated with news and any opportunities for you to get involved

Please register with EHQ to get the best experience on the platform, and to enable interaction with any tools on this page.

We encourage you to subscribe to this project to make it easier for you to follow this and any other projects you are interested in. We may contact you if there are significant updates or important changes to information, however please note that you will not automatically be notified for standard updates or edits.



  • We are operating the West Berkshire Ground Water Scheme

    We are operating the West Berkshire Ground Water Scheme to protect public water supplies. Thames Water has asked us to operate the scheme, as they have seen large increases in water demand from their customers through the summer and rapid storage loss in their West London supply reservoirs.

    The pumping scheme is used to add groundwater into the River Thames via some of its tributaries during periods of drought. This water is then abstracted by Thames Water further downstream in the lower River Thames to become part of the public water supply for London.

    This scheme was specifically designed for drought conditions and has been available for decades as part of the region's long-term water resilience planning. We are taking a phased and carefully managed approach to operating the scheme, by continually reviewing conditions and adapting our response as the drought develops to ensure the scheme is operated responsibly and effectively.

    You can find further information on the scheme here FAQs - West Berkshire Ground Water Scheme

    We are operating the West Berkshire Ground Water Scheme to protect public water supplies. Thames Water has asked us to operate the scheme, as they have seen large increases in water demand from their customers through the summer and rapid storage loss in their West London supply reservoirs.

    The pumping scheme is used to add groundwater into the River Thames via some of its tributaries during periods of drought. This water is then abstracted by Thames Water further downstream in the lower River Thames to become part of the public water supply for London.

    This scheme was specifically designed for drought conditions and has been available for decades as part of the region's long-term water resilience planning. We are taking a phased and carefully managed approach to operating the scheme, by continually reviewing conditions and adapting our response as the drought develops to ensure the scheme is operated responsibly and effectively.

    You can find further information on the scheme here FAQs - West Berkshire Ground Water Scheme

  • Blue green algae bloom on the River Thames


    water sample

    We are pleased to report that recent lab analysis of water samples show that levels of blue-green algae are decreasing. Cooler weather and increased river flow following rainfall will help improve conditions. 

    Because the bloom continues to persist along this stretch of the River Thames, including at the Ham and Kingston Designated Bathing Water, we continue to treat this as a priority incident. This is due to the risks to human health, animals, and the wider environment. 


    We will provide further updates if there is any significant change or when the designated bathing water has reopened, which will be after 2 weeks of clear results. 


    We continue to urge people:  

    • do not enter the water  
    • avoid contact with the water   
    • keep animals away from the water - and do not allow them to drink it.  

    For further information and advice visit Algal blooms: advice for the public and landowners - GOV.UK.

    To find out the latest updates on the Ham and Kingston designated bathing water site visit swimfo


    water sample

    We are pleased to report that recent lab analysis of water samples show that levels of blue-green algae are decreasing. Cooler weather and increased river flow following rainfall will help improve conditions. 

    Because the bloom continues to persist along this stretch of the River Thames, including at the Ham and Kingston Designated Bathing Water, we continue to treat this as a priority incident. This is due to the risks to human health, animals, and the wider environment. 


    We will provide further updates if there is any significant change or when the designated bathing water has reopened, which will be after 2 weeks of clear results. 


    We continue to urge people:  

    • do not enter the water  
    • avoid contact with the water   
    • keep animals away from the water - and do not allow them to drink it.  

    For further information and advice visit Algal blooms: advice for the public and landowners - GOV.UK.

    To find out the latest updates on the Ham and Kingston designated bathing water site visit swimfo

  • Environmental impacts

    supporting image

    Our fisheries teams have supported several fisheries affected by algae crashes and low oxygen levels. Using mechanical aeration equipment and sodium percarbonate, which helps increase oxygen levels in the water, they have been able to improve conditions for fish and other aquatic life.

    The teams have also responded to calls from members of the public as many small ponds have dried up during the prolonged dry weather. They have been providing advice and practical guidance to help people reduce the impact of drought on their ponds and the wildlife that depends on them. 


    If you see fish trapped or in distress Please report environmental incidents on GOV.UK or call 0800 80 70 60,

    Our fisheries teams have supported several fisheries affected by algae crashes and low oxygen levels. Using mechanical aeration equipment and sodium percarbonate, which helps increase oxygen levels in the water, they have been able to improve conditions for fish and other aquatic life.

    The teams have also responded to calls from members of the public as many small ponds have dried up during the prolonged dry weather. They have been providing advice and practical guidance to help people reduce the impact of drought on their ponds and the wildlife that depends on them. 


    If you see fish trapped or in distress Please report environmental incidents on GOV.UK or call 0800 80 70 60,

  • Navigation on the River Thames

    Due to low river flows across the River Thames, we have introduced temporary navigation restrictions across several of our lock sites.

    This information is published on our guidance page  River Thames: restrictions and closures - GOV.UK . To ensure you are updated with the latest guidance, please select ‘Get emails about this page’.

    Any future restrictions will be based on local conditions and operational requirements.

    We recognise these restrictions may affect journey times and navigation plans. However, they are necessary to help protect essential water resources during the current dry weather conditions.

    We encourage all boaters to plan their journeys ahead of time in line with these restrictions. We thank all boaters and river users for their patience, cooperation and understanding while these measures are in place.

    Due to low river flows across the River Thames, we have introduced temporary navigation restrictions across several of our lock sites.

    This information is published on our guidance page  River Thames: restrictions and closures - GOV.UK . To ensure you are updated with the latest guidance, please select ‘Get emails about this page’.

    Any future restrictions will be based on local conditions and operational requirements.

    We recognise these restrictions may affect journey times and navigation plans. However, they are necessary to help protect essential water resources during the current dry weather conditions.

    We encourage all boaters to plan their journeys ahead of time in line with these restrictions. We thank all boaters and river users for their patience, cooperation and understanding while these measures are in place.

Page last updated: 09 Sep 2026, 03:25 PM