A Flood Warning was issued for Groundwater flooding for the Piddle Valley in Dorset Council on 17th March 2026. Affected watercourses included the Groundwater.
During this event, FloodRadar monitoring gauges recorded notable rises. The Groundwater Level at Ridge Way rose 1.10m, peaking at 74.65m, while the Groundwater Level at Iwerne Hill Farm climbed 0.69m.
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 120.08m, levels are continuing to recede but remain high and reactive to further rainfall. The forecast is dry for the week. Residents are advised to prepare property resilience measures and ensure that pumps are working where they have been installed. Residents may experience inundation of septic tanks and sewer system
Monitoring gauges during this event
| Station | River | Rise | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ridge Way | Groundwater Level | +1.10m | 74.65m |
| Iwerne Hill Farm | Groundwater Level | +0.69m | 108.33m |
| Kingston Russell | Groundwater Level | +0.62m | 118.30m |
| Badbury Rings | Groundwater Level | +0.54m | 33.93m |
| Dickley Down | Groundwater Level | +0.50m | 160.40m |
| Delcombe Wood | Groundwater Level | +0.37m | 134.66m |
| Doles Ash | Groundwater Level | +0.30m | 120.23m |
| Bank Barrow | Groundwater Level | +0.27m | 51.75m |
| Ashton Farm | Groundwater Level | +0.11m | 70.93m |
| Ashmore | Groundwater Level | +0.07m | 134.05m |