Chalk Groundwater levels

Southeast Region

*The long term average (LTA) has been calculated statistically, using the long term data record for this hydrograph. The respective drought zones are used as operational triggers, and have been derived using the LTA.

*Drought zone 1 is the LTA in Southeast region.

Rainfall in our Southeast region was above average in October at 171% of the Long Term Average (LTA). Over the last three months (August to October), our Southeast region has received above average rainfall (115% of the LTA) but just below average effective precipitation (99% of the LTA). As a result of the wet weather, monthly average soil moisture deficit (SMD) is declining however it remains above average, which is likely to have limited the rainfall contribution to groundwater recharge in October.

Groundwater levels remain above average and have started to increase in the final week of October due to the above average rainfall. However, there has been a net reduction through the month. Groundwater levels are likely to remain above the LTA over the Winter and Spring period if we receive at least average rainfall (100% of the LTA). Below average rainfall (80% of the LTA or less) forecasts groundwater levels to reach the LTA from early Winter and potentially dip below the LTA trend if rainfall is 60% of the LTA or less.

Please refer to our Drought Plan for what this means for us and our customers.