The Monitoring workstream aims to establish a groundwater level monitoring network to provide information to communities that are at risk of groundwater flooding. So far, it has provided data to underpin the modelling and mapping of groundwater flood risk, and the development of a flood warning system.
Managing groundwater flooding fundamentally requires a good knowledge of groundwater levels. This can be realised through appropriate measurement and recording, particularly during periods of exceptionally high groundwater levels that could lead to flooding.
Traditionally, such measurements are achieved through a network of boreholes drilled to depths to intercept groundwater in different aquifers.
2024
Making maximum use of the monitoring network in The Chalk
In 2024 we worked with the Environment Agency to maximise provision of chalk borehole data online. This is now more fully available at: https://environment.data.gov.uk/hydrology/explore. It is a useful resource to get the latest groundwater levels in key boreholes across the Project Groundwater area. The data has provided the basis for our groundwater flood hazard mapping as well as forecasts of groundwater level in the warning service.
Recognising the challenges of expanding The Chalk monitoring network
Together with the Environment Agency, we explored adding real time data logging equipment onto existing boreholes where this could be beneficial to communities. This did not prove possible due to under resourcing within the EA teams but we continued to demonstrate how to make best use of data that is available.
Exploring groundwater infiltration into the foul sewers
Together with Thames Water, we explored whether additional data loggers in the foul sewers could improve our understanding of where high groundwater levels cause problems in some communities. Given Thames Water’s ongoing investment in such monitoring, there was no current need for additional investment from Project Groundwater. The data may be useful for future groundwater flood modelling.
Investigating the need for better reporting of groundwater flooding
We collated all available reports of groundwater flooding in our area, including those reported by communities during in-person events. Following our investigation into developing an online tool for anyone to use to report groundwater flooding, Project Groundwater Northumbria is further developing a system for the future.
Supported the testing of drone-based groundwater monitoring
A number of test flights were conducted by ISS Aerospace with a drone-mounted Ground Penetrating Radar, to test the ability to record groundwater levels.
Drone-based groundwater monitoring
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2025
Further innovation of our approach to groundwater monitoring in the Permeable Superficial Deposits
The Permeable Superficial Deposits have little or no groundwater monitoring and it may be that monitoring of river levels (which already exists through the Environment Agency) is good enough to infer how groundwater responds. Therefore, alongside any new boreholes, we plan to use river levels to infer groundwater levels. We will be using existing data from Hinksey Park and other sites to demonstrate the feasibility of this.
Supporting the testing of drone-based groundwater monitoring
We will continue to support the analysis of data from our drone-based groundwater monitoring to indicate the feasibility of this innovative approach.
Building effective partnerships between the Risk Management Authorities
Groundwater floods and droughts should be managed together by the various organisations involved (local authorities, Environment Agency, water companies).
Coordinated working between Lead Local Flood Authorities and the Environment Agency is of particular importance to Project Groundwater, in terms of monitoring, modelling and warning of groundwater flooding. For example, the Environment Agency own the borehole network (and Thames Water the sewer network), but Lead Local Flood Authorities help manage the consequences of flooding.
We must work towards a better long-term model to maximise the benefit that all parties get from the relationships.
Find out more about Project Groundwater
