A Flood Warning was issued for Groundwater flooding for the Piddle Valley in Dorset Council on 3rd March 2026. Affected watercourses included the Groundwater.
During this event, FloodRadar monitoring gauges recorded notable rises. The Groundwater Level at Ridge Way rose 1.67m, peaking at 80.40m, while the Groundwater Level at Iwerne Hill Farm climbed 1.33m.
Environment Agency advice issued
High groundwater levels are expected to cause flooding. Groundwater levels in West Dorset remain high. Areas that could be affected include: Piddletrentide, Plush, Piddlehinton, Puddletown, Tolpuddle and Affpuddle. The groundwater level at the Doles Ash borehole is currently at 121.60m, levels are slowly starting to recede but remain high and reactive to further rainfall. The forecast is dry for the week with showers possible over the weekend. Residents are advised to prepare property resilience measures and ensure that pumps are working where they have been installed. Residents may experience
Monitoring gauges during this event
| Station | River | Rise | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ridge Way | Groundwater Level | +1.67m | 80.40m |
| Iwerne Hill Farm | Groundwater Level | +1.33m | 112.21m |
| Delcombe Wood | Groundwater Level | +1.28m | 139.78m |
| Dickley Down | Groundwater Level | +1.16m | 162.46m |
| Bank Barrow | Groundwater Level | +0.76m | 54.18m |
| Badbury Rings | Groundwater Level | +0.73m | 37.06m |
| Doles Ash | Groundwater Level | +0.55m | 121.87m |
| Kingston Russell | Groundwater Level | +0.46m | 120.68m |
| Ashmore | Groundwater Level | +0.29m | 134.76m |
| Ashton Farm | Groundwater Level | +0.07m | 71.19m |