Somerset’s internal drainage boards are calling on the Environment Agency (EA) to install more permanent pumps on the Somerset Levels to mitigate the impact of flooding, following the severe winter flooding caused by Storm Chandra.
The region is still recovering, with key roads like the one between Langport and Muchelney remaining closed due to flood damage. Somerset Council is also addressing thousands of potholes and road defects created by the harsh weather.
The Flooding on the Levels Action Group (FLAG) is leading calls for permanent pumping infrastructure across the Somerset Levels and Moors. Currently, the EA relies heavily on temporary pumps, which delays the evacuation of floodwater downstream and heightens the risk of prolonged flooding.
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Addressing this, FLAG representative Bryony Sadler raised concerns at the recent Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) board meeting in Yeovil. She highlighted that despite some consideration, proposals for a permanent pumping station at Northmoor have been dismissed, partly due to National Grid’s requirement for upfront payments to operate such facilities.
Sadler emphasized the need for engineers to consult local experts who possess valuable, long-standing knowledge of the system’s operation before ruling out solutions. She also encouraged exploring alternative energy sources such as hydroelectric or solar power and seeking diverse funding options beyond those dependent on National Grid’s conditions.
EA representative Ross Edwards acknowledged an ongoing review of flood response triggered by Storm Chandra. He explained that while 11 locations have been examined for permanent pumps, economic hurdles remain a major obstacle. Key challenges include the standing electricity charges and the impracticality of renewable energy at the scale necessary for winter flood management.
Edwards clarified that solar-powered pumps are effective for small-scale summer irrigation but unsuitable for handling the large volumes of winter floodwater in the sparsely populated Somerset Levels and Moors. Additionally, securing funding for major projects in this area proves difficult.
Currently, the EA operates 21 pumping stations in Somerset, all requiring regular upkeep to remain operational during floods. The agency plans to upgrade four stations—Huish Episcopi, Midelney, Northmoor, and Westover—with £6 million in new flood defense equipment.
Iain Study of the Somerset Drainage Board Consortium reinforced the demand for permanent pumps to enable faster floodwater removal. He explained that although only a few properties flooded during this event, timely evacuation of water was crucial in minimizing damage.
“Having the ability to simply activate pumps instantly rather than spending weeks on installation is vital to managing future floods more effectively,” Study said. “We will continue to push for permanent pumping solutions wherever they can make a real difference.”