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River Wear being topped up by Kielder Reservoir after dry July

BBC Published Aug 17, 2026 Reviewed Aug 18, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors
River Wear being topped up by Kielder Reservoir after dry July
Water from Kielder Reservoir has been released into the River Wear since 13 July, according to the Environment Agency.
Environment Agency, agency
July 2023 was the driest July experienced by north-east England since 2006.
since 2006 year · north-east England July rainfall Environment Agency, agency
Rainfall in the Wear catchment was only about 13% of the long-term average, according to the Environment Agency.
about 13 % · rainfall in the Wear catchment Environment Agency, agency
Durham averages 61mm of rain in July, according to the Met Office.
61 mm · Durham July rainfall Met Office, agency
Kielder Reservoir was last used to top up the Wear in 2022.
2022 year · Kielder Reservoir top-up Environment Agency, agency
The water body's fish counters have been broken for more than a year.
more than 1 year · fish counters broken

A river is being topped up by a reservoir to maintain legally mandated water levels.

Water from Kielder Reservoir has been released into the River Wear since 13 July, according to the Environment Agency (EA).

Last month was the driest July experienced by north-east England since 2006.

The EA said rainfall in the Wear catchment was "exceptionally low" and was only about 13% of the long-term average. Durham, for example, on average gets 61mm of rain in July, according to the Met Office.

Leslie Gray, from Wolsingham Angling Club, said the river had been low and fish there were showing "no signs of activity".

The water body's fish counters have been broken for more than a year.

Kielder Reservoir was last used to top up the Wear in 2022.

Last week the North East was moved into prolonged dry weather status - one stage before drought.

It is one of a handful of regions in the country, including Yorkshire and Cumbria, not currently in a drought.

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