AbstractA study of water chemistry changes and stream network changes during and immediately after the 1976 drought is made in an area to the north and east of Bristol. In particular, contrasts are made between the Cotswold Limestone dip slope and the Severn Clay Vale. Immediately following the end of the drought a solute flushing effect was observed on the clay streams, whilst network extension on limestone streams incorporated new source areas and maintained higher solute concentrations throughout the post‐drought period investigate