The cumulative deficit in rainfall in 2025 so far is comparable to several historical droughts such as 1976, 1995 and 2003. The cumulative deficit in rainfall in 2025 so far is comparable to several historical droughts such as 1976, 1995 and 2003.
Despite our best efforts to reduce water loss and manage the system carefully, water levels in our feeder reservoirs are continuing to fall as a result of canal water demands, while statutory works under way at Wilstone reservoir mean it must be kept below normal operating levels until measures in the interest of safety have been completed.
These factors are placing considerable additional pressure on the water situation affecting the Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal. These are exceptional circumstances, and we want to explain what this means for our boating customers, what we are doing in response, and how we can work together to minimise the impact.
We are doing everything operationally possible to conserve what water we have. Notwithstanding our efforts, the lack of rainfall means that water supplies are now significantly below Long-Term Average and lower than the same time in the 2010, 2018 and 2022 droughts.
Without significant and sustained rainfall, we face the reality of temporarily closing the Aylesbury Arm to navigation. At present, we anticipate that the locks will need to close by Monday 16th June. Levels will be kept under review and the canal will be reopened as soon as circumstances allow.
If your boat is currently in an area likely to be affected, we strongly recommend using the time before any closure is implemented to relocate to a place where you will continue to have access to customer services, facilities, and support.
We understand how important it is to have time to plan, especially for those cruising or running businesses on the canal. We truly appreciate the circumstances are disappointing and disruptive, particularly for boaters with upcoming trips. That’s why we are giving two weeks’ notice of any full closure, so you have time to adjust your plans or move to alternative locations where needed.
What we are doing?
If closures are implemented, we will take additional steps to conserve as much water as possible. During this period affected locks will be secured against operation. The gates will be ‘ashed up’ (a traditional method of sealing gates) to reduce leakage and reduce water loss through the lock structures.
This is not a decision we’re making lightly. A great deal of work is underway to prepare for both the short and long term. A dedicated Operational Water Resource Commander has been appointed to lead our response to the drought and coordinate our teams. We are working closely with partners to manage every aspect of the situation.
We are monitoring canals and reservoirs daily, assessing levels and evaluating the best operational decisions to sustain navigation where it is safe and possible. We are also using this time to carry out works that improve the canal’s resilience including continuing to inspect our infrastructure and repair leaks. Future updates will contain more detail on how we will make use of any closed time to carry out leak prevention works.
What you can do to help in the short period before closure?
Your cooperation during this time is essential and deeply appreciated. Here are some things you can do to help reduce strain on the system:
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Share locks where possible and make the best use of the water available.
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Make sure paddles are fully closed once you've passed through a lock.
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Aim for minimal contact when navigating through locks by ensuring gates are fully open as you pass through.
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Pushing gates open using a boat can damage the gate lining, increasing its leakage.
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If you spot a leak or any suspicious activities please call us on 0303 040 4040 or emailing via contact-us
When will the canal reopen?
This depends on rainfall, so we are unable to predict this. Certain reservoirs respond very quickly to rainfall, so prolonged wet weather in the right place can make a big difference. We are committed to reopening the canal as soon as we can.
