Descriptions
Update 15 July 2025, 4:39pm
We have continued to monitor the exceptionally dry conditions, and the impact on our reservoirs. Unfortunately, despite all our operational efforts, as rainfall has remained well below the long-term average water levels in our feeder reservoirs are continuing to fall due to canal water demands.
We can now confirm that, from 4pm on Monday 21 July 2025, Napton Lock Flight will be closed to navigation until there is enough rainfall to replenish our reservoirs.
This closure is necessary to protect increasingly limited water resources and give the navigation an opportunity to recover, as well as helping preserve canal infrastructure and ecology. We hope that this confirmation allows time for boaters to adjust their plans and relocate as needed.
If we can offer any windows at all for passage, then we will advise accordingly.
We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide fortnightly updates, or sooner if conditions change. Despite the measures we're taking, there may be extreme local circumstances that require us to take immediate action to temporarily close some other stretches on the South Oxford navigation.
If it rains enough to allow safe navigation, restrictions will be lifted immediately: this is likely to require sufficient and prolonged rain over several weeks rather than a sudden very heavy downpour.
We understand that this continues to be disappointing news, and our priority is to reopen the canal to full navigation as soon as possible. We thank you for your support in reducing water use across our network, and reporting leaks or concerns via 0303 040 4040 or our Contact Us page.
Update 4 July 2025, 12:11pm
Please note that from Monday 7 July, the opening times for Marston Doles Lock 15 & Lock 16 will be 10am to 3pm, with the last boat entry at 2:30pm.
Original 17 June 2025, 10:24am
Following the driest spring in a century, water levels in some of our reservoirs have dropped. To help conserve the remaining water, from Tuesday 1 July we will be reducing the opening times for Marston Doles Lock 15 & Lock 16 from 8am, to close at 4pm with last boat in at 3:30pm. This collective action is being introduced on Claydon, Foxton, Marston Doles, Hillmorton, and Watford Lock Flights.
The aim of this evening restriction is to reduce water demand and allow water levels to recover, which will mean that there will be more water available for daytime journeys. We hope this coordinated action will allow for your continued enjoyment of our waterways throughout the summer and that providing this advance warning will allow you to make suitable plans.
Thank you for your understanding. You can read about other ways you can help preserve water supplies on our website here.
An update will be provided by Friday 1 August or sooner if the situation changes
