BW lifts drought restrictions 

British Waterways (BW) decision is welcome news for canal cruisers.

British Waterways has announced that, after reviewing reservoir holdings, groundwater levels and canal usage information, the restrictions to lock use in place on some parts of the canal network have now all been lifted due to the continued rainfall through May and into June.

Reservoir holdings have returned to average for this time of year. You can keep an eye on the water holdings at the Waterscape Resevoir Watch.

This is welcome news for all canal cruisers, who have been suffering closed lock flights for the last couple of months.

Rightly, whilst restrictions are being lifted, boaters are still being encouraged to conserve water by sharing locks, ensuring paddles are closed after use and opening both gates when entering or leaving locks to avoid damaging the watertight seal.

While that’s good news for the southern waterways, sections of the northern parts of the system are struggling with too much water. Recent floods have brought about temporary blockages of the Rochdale Canal, and problems for those crossing the Pennines.

Meanwhile, on the rivers, the Environment Agency webpage covering conditions on the Thames has shown a fair mix of yellow boards (and even the odd red) over the last few weeks, reflecting the various flow rates as the rain falls and the flood waters come down the river. ‘Flooding is possible’ warnings are shown against many of the gauges for the Great Ouse.

All in all, generally good news, with some caution on river navigations.