Flood Alert Issued for Groundwater Flooding in Candovers and Old Alresford, Hampshire

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Alert (Severity Level 3) for the Solent and South Downs area. The alert specifically addresses rising groundwater levels in the Candovers and Old Alresford regions.

Affected Areas

The geographic scope of this alert includes the Candovers and Old Alresford in the county of Hampshire. Specific impacts have been noted in Preston Candover and Old Alresford, where a small number of properties are currently experiencing cellar flooding. The alert also notes that flooding is affecting the ability of septic tanks to operate effectively in these areas.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are advised to take the following precautions:

• Prepare and implement property resilience measures.
• Ensure that any installed water pumps are in good working order and ready for use.
• Monitor the operation of septic tanks, as high groundwater levels may impede their functionality.

Expected Conditions

Groundwater levels are currently described as relatively stable but remain high following 26mm of rainfall recorded over the past week. While current impacts are limited to septic tank issues and cellar flooding in a small number of properties, the Environment Agency warns that if heavy rain affects the area, isolated properties in Old Alresford could experience ground floor flooding next week.

Timeline

The alert was officially raised on February 18, 2026. Small amounts of rain are forecast from Thursday, February 19, through Sunday, February 22. Officials are closely monitoring the situation and expect to provide an update by 6:00 PM on February 24, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.