Climate change will cause the UK to experience heavier rainfall and higher sea levels leading to an increased risk of flooding.
Our canals are artificial channels that cut across natural drainage paths. With the right investment they could play a role in some places in mitigating flood risks.
They have the potential to intercept drainage, hold up flows and even move water away from towns and properties at risk to stop houses and businesses from being flooded.
There is also the potential for many of our structures in rivers (weirs, sluices, and locks) to be modified to improve flood risk management.
