Managing our water

Have you ever wondered how there is enough water in your canals? Or what happens to the water every time a boat passes through a lock?

Family push a lock gate closed as a narrowboat prepares to go down the lock

Save water | Close the gates | Lower the paddles

How do boaters cruise and still preserve our vital water in canals? Take a look at what we're all doing to 'Save Water' in our waterways

A quick guide to how we manage water

Watch our video to find out more about the work of our hydrology team.

Reservoir Watch

Find out the latest information about our water reserves. We’ll let you know how the glorious British weather affects reservoir levels and how this may impact our canals and rivers

Foxton's Boilerhouse today courtest Richard Boyles

Where does the water come from?

Find out where all the water comes from to supply your favourite locations around the canals

Flood

When there is too much water in the canal, we try to remove the excess water as soon as possible to ensure the safety of the canal

Sunrise photo with iced up boat and canal

2020 Water Resources Strategy Update

Read our annual update to our Water Resources Strategy 2015-2020

The SCADA team at an open day by David Mould

Hear from our water experts

Find out more about the varied work our committed team of water experts do to look after the water for people and for our wildlife

Millions of people visit the canals every year, and water is the lifeblood of the canals and rivers. Without a reliable water supply and careful management of water levels, the canals and rivers simply couldn't provide the wonderful amenity and environment we all enjoy.

But canals aren't only for boating, the rich wildlife and diverse ecology that thrives on the waterways relies on water too. It's a complex and continuous task to ensure we have enough water, at the right time and in the right place.

Welcome to the world of water management.

Last Edited: 26 November 2024