Boating in a drought
Just earlier this month, the government’s National Drought Group said that the country is facing a ‘nationally significant’ water shortfall.
Temperatures have been above average for all parts of the UK with most of England experiencing temperatures at least 1.5C higher than the 1991 to 2020 average.
Rainfall, bringing the lifeblood of the canal and river network, was for most parts far below what we would usually see. Large parts of England only received just over half with some places getting less than a third.
The Canal and River Trust are actively managing the impact of the drought on boating on the canal and river network.
Canals have been impacted
Water levels in some reservoirs are dropping towards minimum levels, with particular pressure on reservoirs feeding the Ashton, Caldon, Grand Union Leicester Line, Grand Union Leeds & Liverpool, Macclesfield, Peak Forest, Rochdale, South Oxford and Trent & Mersey canals.
Several lock flights across Birmingham have been closed to preserve water including Brades, Minworth, Rushall and Tame Valley and Wolverhampton.
While there are still parts of the network without restrictions, The Canal and River Trust say that it’s vital that boaters sign up for stoppage notices to get alerts from the organisation as soon as they are issued.
Get notified
A map of the affected areas can be found on the Notices section of the Canal and River Trust website: filter by reason: ‘Low Water Levels’ and select ‘Map View’. If you think you’ll be regularly checking the map then bookmarkand it’ll take you straight to the low water stoppage map.
Be prepared
The Trust is also strongly encouraging all boaters to start making plans now. This includes:
- Emptying waste tanks
- Filling up water and fuel tanks
- Stocking up on essential supplies
- Considering relocating your boat to areas closer to services, or if you have a home mooring, return your boat to your marina/mooring
There is also the opportunity to join the Canal and River Trust for a National Boater Forum including updates on the network's water resources, including the measures being taken to protect navigation. Book your place