THE risk of groundwater flooding is rising in parts of Hampshire.

The Environment Agency has issued alerts for Hursley, the Meon Valley and Hambledon about the risk of groundwater flooding. It says flooding is possible.

Groundwater is the underground aquifer, or reservoir, that rises in wet weather and can seep into properties from below especially on areas of chalk.

This winter has been very wet and the agency warns the Meon Valley villages at risk are East Meon, West Meon, Warnford, Exton, Corhampton, Meonstoke, Droxford and Soberton.

Hampshire Chronicle: Flooding risk in the Meon Valley area

On its website it states: "In the Meon Valley, groundwater levels are high and rising. In the last two months, prolonged, much higher than average rainfall (451mm) was recorded in Warnford. The winterbourne has been flowing in Meonstoke for several weeks and there is a small amount of water ponded around the electricity sub-station in Rectory Lane.

"The weather from today (13/12/2023) until Sunday (17/12/2023) is forecast to be dry. At our borehole at Pound Lane, the groundwater level will stabilise by Friday 15/12/2023, before beginning to slowly fall. Long range forecasting is difficult, but there is currently an indication that unsettled weather will return to Hampshire from the end of next week.

"If heavy rain affects the Meon Valley, groundwater levels will rise again, and water will begin flowing across Rectory Lane. We continue to monitor the forecast. If you use pumps to help reduce water levels, please ensure that they can operate. This Flood Alert will be updated by 17:00 on Tuesday 19/12/2023."

In Hursley, groundwater levels are high and rising. In the last two months, prolonged, much higher than average rainfall (381mm) was recorded at our rain gauge in Otterbourne.

Hampshire Chronicle: Flood map for Hursley

In the last 24 hours, the groundwater level has increased by 19cm. At the current rate of rise, cellar flooding is possible from Thursday 14/12/2023 at the southern end of the village at South End Close. From Saturday 16/12/2023, cellar flooding could occur at the Dolphin Inn and impacts to the sewage network could be experienced.

"From Wednesday 13/12/2023 to Monday 18/12/2023 the weather is expected to be drier, however levels are still expected to rise for at least another week. We continue to monitor the forecast. If you use pumps to help reduce water levels, please ensure that they can operate. This message will be updated at 17:00 on Tuesday 19/12/2023."