It’s been heartbreaking to see the impact the low water levels have had on the wildlife and canal and understand the concern this has caused locally. This incident highlights the importance of our ongoing work to create a more resilient Montgomery Canal for wildlife and local communities.
To explain why this has happened this list of frequently asked questions describes what we’re doing to ensure water levels are restored to the canal.
Why are the water levels so low in the canal?
A nearby damaged weir has restricted the amount of water flowing into the Tanat Feeder, which supplies the canal. Coupled with the hot dry weather we're experiencing this has impacted the water levels.
What are you doing to resolve the issue?
As works to repair the weir fall within the river, we’re restricted to when and how we can work. We are only able to work outside fish spawning season and a river embargo period set by the regulators from October to end of April. With the river flooding regularly during autumn and winter, we cannot work safely in the river while there’s a risk of flooding. We also require a Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP) from the Environment Agency which was granted on 28 May 2026. A last-minute delay with landowner negotiations to get access to the weir was granted at the start of July. It’s taken several days to remove the large tree debris on the weir and on Monday 13 July we were able to start work to install a temporary dam that will allow us to make repairs to the weir, helping us to restore water flow to the feeder and fish pass. These works are scheduled to take seven weeks and to be completed by September.
What is happening to the wildlife?
Our fisheries contractor has been working to move fish that have been stranded in the canal to new locations. The extreme heat has also reduced the levels of oxygen in the water which has increased the pressure on aquatic wildlife. A local wildlife rescue group has been able to assist with the relocation of a family of swans. We do not have the skills and experience to be able to rescue wildlife, other than fish.
When we can we expect the water to return?
The work to install a temporary dam on the weir has resulted in an increase in water flow along the Tanat Feeder into the canal. Due to water levels on the south section of Carreghofa Locks being half of what they should be, to avoid further potential environmental harm to the remaining wildlife and habitat in the section south of the locks, we have taken the difficult decision to target sending water to this section before we refill the empty section through the village. If we were to split the feed it would not be enough water that it will make much difference to either section. If we were to focus the water supply to the section of canal through the village, it is likely the longer stretch of canal south of the locks would start to see significant harm to wildlife, which we are desperate to avoid.
Once the levels are recovered enough in the section south of the locks, we could begin to refill the dry section.
Is the lack of water related to the construction works at Carreghofa?
No, the work taking place on the new bridge at Carreghofa Lane is not connected to this issue, which is mainly down to the issues with the extended dry and hot weather, broken weir and resulting limited supply to the Tanat Feeder. Water is running through the bridge work site and returning to the upstream section.
Is it possible to introduce water to the canal now, even temporarily, to support wildlife?
We can only use water from natural supplies to feed the canal. This means either rainfall or water from the river as we do not have any reservoirs to provide a supplementary feed to the canal, as with other parts of the canal network. We’re only legally able to abstract a small amount from the river, especially during hot weather. Bringing water in from elsewhere like pumping from a main water supply wouldn’t be allowed and would require a huge amount that would affect drinking water supplies, as well as reducing an already limited supply due to the near-drought conditions we’re experiencing.
Has dredging been considered for this section of the canal and could it take place while water levels are low?
Due to the type of machinery used for dredging, this can only be carried out during the winter when there is sufficient water in the canal. Dredging in the summer has a higher risk of harm to the environment, which is why it is only done is a limited number of situations. Dredging in some sections of the canal in Llanymynech has been carried out over the last few years as part of the UK government supported funding awarded to Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, as part of the canal restoration. We are hoping to complete a final section of dredging from Carreghofa Locks to Carreghofa Lane this winter, which will complete the dredging of four miles of the canal from Llanymynech to near Arddleen. The Trust also has a general budget for dredging, but this is generally prioritised for areas used by boats for navigation.
