28 NOVEMBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Surveying Drought to Reclaim the Rain Adapted from the British Geological Survey (BGS) During a summer marked by widespread drought conditions, groundwater levels across the UK have demonstrated resilience, underscoring their significant role as a vital resource and suggesting they could play an increasingly important role in mitigating the effects of extreme weather. Research from the BGS revealed groundwater’s impressive ability to withstand extreme weather fluctuation characterized by both meteorological and hydrological drought, particularly in light of the record-setting summer this year. Groundwater serves as a fundamental water source in the UK, supplying one third if the total public water supply in England. In certain areas of southeast England and East Anglia, it can account for up to 100% of water supply because of the chalk and limestone aquifers. Groundwater can also contribute significantly to streams and rivers, helping sustain water levels and vital ecosystems. The latest analysis of groundwater conditions of England and Wales, which were officially facing drought, revealed the overall health of groundwater resources remained strong, with some levels even exceeding historical norms. The study evaluated 36 borehole monitoring locations strategically selected for their representation of major aquifers and their isolation from external influences that could artificially impact natural water level measurements, such as abstraction sites. Among the 35 groundwater sites, only 8 (23%) are showing significantly below-normal levels, while 15 (43%) are either at normal or above-normal levels compared to historical data this time of year. Importantly, none of the sites are reporting record low levels. The data shows that, with careful management, groundwater could improve national resilience during extreme weather events. Initiatives like the Environment Agency’s groundwater augmentation project in the River Severn, which aims to tap into the Shropshire Groundwater Scheme during dry spells, potentially providing up to a little more than 63 million gallons of water per day to maintain river levels, protect water supplies, and wildlife habitats. Earlier this year, BGS provided scientific evidence to the Lords Committee report “Surviving drought, reclaiming the rain” which calls for immediate action in improving drought planning and monitoring, investing in water storage infrastructure at all scales, reforming abstraction licensing for better flexibility, and engaging in a whole of society approach to reducing water demand. Editor’s Note: In between our print issues, the WWDR Team prepares an electronic newsletter called E-News Flash by WorldWide by WorldWide Drilling Resource®. This newsletter is filled with articles not included in our print issue. Based on readership, this was the most popular article of the month. Get in on the action and subscribe today at: worldwidedrillingresource.com www.starironworks.com 257 Caroline Street Punxsutawney, PA 15767 800-927-0560 • 814-427-2555 Fax: 814-427-5164 Serving the Water Well Industry See us at GROUNDWATER WEEK Booth 714
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