Descriptions
Update 28 July 2025, 5:35pm
Due to the continuation of the dry weather, water levels remain low, we are having to extend the closure which will now include the Rochdale 9 between Lock 48 to 92 on the Rochdale Canal.
We will continue to monitor the situation daily and will provide fortnightly updates, or sooner if conditions change.
Our priority remains to reopen the locks as soon as rainfall replenishes reservoirs to sufficient levels.
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.
Update 25 July 2025, 1:43pm
Due to the continuation of the dry weather, water levels remain low between Lock 48 to 83 on the Rochdale Canal. Unfortunately these locks will remain closed.
We will continue to monitor the situation daily and will provide fortnightly updates, or sooner if conditions change.
Our priority remains to reopen the locks as soon as rainfall replenishes reservoirs to sufficient levels.
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, 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.
We will provide a further update on the on going water levels on Friday 8 August.
Update 11 July 2025, 3:19pm
Due to the continuation of the dry weather, water levels remain low between Lock 48 to 83 on the Rochdale Canal. Unfortunately these locks will remain closed.
We have experienced the driest spring on record, and this has affected ours and our third party suppliers water availability.
We will continue to monitor the situation daily and will provide fortnightly updates, or sooner if conditions change.
Our priority remains to reopen the locks as soon as rainfall replenishes reservoirs to sufficient levels.
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, 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.
We will provide a further update on the on going water levels on Friday 25 July.
Update 8 July 2025, 12:25pm
We are pleased to confirm that the Rochdale 9, from Locks 84 to 92 are open, with immediate effect.
Our teams continue to work on recovering water levels between Locks 83 and 48, and we anticipate improvement will take a little longer.
We will provide a further update on or before Friday 11 July.
Update 2 July 2025, 4:48pm
After careful consideration, and the efforts of the team in trying to feed water down, this with the continuation of dry weather, the water levels remain low and therefore navigation remains closed between Locks 48 to 92 on the Rochdale Canal.
With the complex issue of raising the water levels, our local teams will continue to monitor, however we rely on third party reservoirs to provide additional water and they are unable to do so.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.
A further update will be provided Friday 11 July.
Update 30 June 2025, 4:08pm
Unfortunately, due to this continuation of dry weather, after all our efforts to feeding water down to re fill the flight, the water resources remain low and therefore navigation remains closed between Locks 48 to 83 on the Rochdale Canal.
With the complex issue of raising the water levels, our local teams will continue to monitor and review later this week.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.
A further update will be provided Wednesday 2 July.
Update 25 June 2025, 3:39pm
We are pleased to announce that the Rochdale 9, from Locks 84 to 92, will reopen tomorrow.
Our teams continue to work on recovering water levels between Locks 83 and 48, and we anticipate improvement will take a little longer.
Please note: the canal remains closed at Lock 72 until further notice.
For more information, please click here.
We will provide a further update on or before Monday 30 June.
Update 23 June 2025, 4:36pm
Unfortunately navigation remains closed between Locks 48 and 92 on the Rochdale Canal, due to low water levels and this continuation of dry weather.
After all our effects, water remains low, and our team are continuing to work hard to recover the levels.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused to your boating plans.
We will provide a further update Wednesday 25 June.
Original 20 June 2025, 4:10pm
Navigation is currently closed between Locks 48 and 92 on the Rochdale Canal, due to very low water levels.
Our team are working hard to recover the levels, but this will take some time.
We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause your boating plans.
We will provide a further update Monday 23 June.
