Persistent rain has begun to relieve the West Country from its extended period of drought.
Most of the Wessex area is now considered to be in recovery following earlier warnings of a potential drought.
The Environment Agency declared a "prolonged dry weather" status in July across parts of the West of England.
This followed a period of low rainfall and high temperatures which threatened the region’s water resources.
Since that warning, above-average rainfall in September and November – at 142 per cent and 128 per cent of the long-term average – and a wet start to December have helped to boost river flows and partially refill reservoirs.
Ian Withers of the Environment Agency said: "The return of heavy rain has benefited the environment after a very dry period.
"But there is no guarantee that sustained rainfall will continue.
"We still need a wet winter to prevent the water situation from deteriorating again."
Despite the improved outlook, chalk aquifer groundwater levels beneath the upper Hampshire Avon area in Wiltshire remain "exceptionally low."
The stretch from Devizes to Salisbury will remain under prolonged dry weather status until the aquifer fully recharges.
Mr Withers said: "Best practices for water sustainability can’t be discarded.
"Rain or shine, we all have a responsibility for sensible water use.
"The risk of flooding remains even during a drought.
"Stay alert, follow flood warning guidance and be ready to deploy any personal property protection."
England experienced the second driest six-month period, from March to August 2025, since records began in 1871.
Sustained rainfall over the winter months is needed to ensure water is available for abstractions and river flows next year.
The Environment Agency warned that droughts and floods are not mutually exclusive.
The agency continues to monitor both drought and flood risks and is prepared to respond as needed throughout the region.
It also reminded the public that underground aquifers, which supply much of the region’s drinking water, require months of rainfall to fully recharge as water slowly filters through the soil.
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