Groundwater levels in part of Ceredigion remain exceptionally low despite recent storms bringing substantial rainfall to Wales, according to the latest assessment by Natural Resources Wales.

An update published on Thursday, 5 November, identifies Cross Inn in north Ceredigion as one of three groundwater monitoring locations across Wales where levels remain exceptionally low for the time of year. NRW maintains a network of approximately 130 monitoring boreholes across the country to track aquifers, analyse drought or flood conditions, and manage local water resources

The findings come despite October delivering 97 percent of the rainfall Wales would normally expect during the month.

However, NRW says rainfall between July and October totalled just 74 percent of the long-term average, reflecting the exceptionally dry conditions experienced during the summer.

The four-month period was drier than the equivalent periods during the droughts of 2022 and 2025.

Although recent storms have helped restore river flows across much of west Wales, groundwater is taking considerably longer to recover. NRW explained that groundwater levels respond more slowly to rainfall, meaning prolonged dry conditions can continue affecting underground water reserves after rivers have returned to normal.

Cross Inn was identified alongside Llanellan in Monmouthshire and Hasguards Cross in Pembrokeshire as locations where levels remain particularly concerning.

Ceredigion's river catchments, including the Rheidol, Ystwyth, Aeron and Teifi, remain classified as recovering from drought.

NRW confirmed that no changes would be made to drought classifications following its latest assessment.

The organisation also warned that relatively dry weather was expected to continue during the first half of November, potentially slowing the recovery.

Previous assessments highlighted continued pressures on agriculture, habitats and people dependent on private water supplies, although water companies were reported to be maintaining healthy supply positions.

NRW says it will continue monitoring conditions and working with the Welsh Government and other organisations as the recovery progresses.