“If it’s raining, why is the reservoir empty?”

After weeks of wet weather, local flood alerts, a burst water pipe, and even a stranded puffin, many people are wondering:

How can we have too much water and not enough at the same time?

Here are a few common myths – busted:

“It’s been raining loads – why is there no water?”
Heavy rain doesn’t always fill reservoirs. Much of it runs off hard surfaces before eventually saturating the ground or entering the drainage network- sometimes causing flooding or ponding on the way. Drinking water comes from both above and below ground sources and needs treatment – so when a pipe bursts or supplies are low, rain alone can’t fix it.

“Flooding means rivers overflowing”
Not always. Flooding can come from other sources such as when groundwater levels rise or when rain causes surface water to collect. Surface water flooding happens when drains or the ground can’t absorb rainfall fast enough. It can happen anywhere—even far from a river. This is the biggest flood risk in our area.

“A blocked stream doesn’t do much harm”
In Beachlands, a fallen tree blocked a stream, causing stagnant, smelly water full of waste. Once cleared, the river flowed cleanly again—proving small changes matter.

What can you do?
Report blockages, stay flood-aware, and get involved locally. Small actions add up.

Article originally published in Bournefree Magazine, Issue 068, February 2026.
Image from https://seasaltandsailorstripes.com/winter-at-arlington-reservoir/