A recent helicopter lift at the Knypersley feeder marked a key milestone in ongoing efforts to strengthen water resilience across parts of the canal network and water supply in North Staffordshire. The operation removed temporary pumping equipment that had been installed to help Severn Trent move water through the system during periods of low water levels, supporting downstream supply reliability.
Pumping began in October 2025 to maintain water flow in the Knypersley and Rudyard feeders, though operations paused temporarily in November due to higher water levels following several storms. These measures are short-term, designed to maintain flows ahead of planned feeder improvement works that will permanently increase capacity and flow rates, removing the need for temporary pumps.
The recent helicopter lift, completed in just four hours, offered a quick and low-impact way to remove the equipment from an area where vehicles couldn’t easily reach. This method not only protected the surrounding environment but also showcased the innovative approach our team is taking to get the job done
