Descriptions
Update 1 August 2025, 11:38am
This restriction remains in place to reduce water demand and allow water levels to recover. Our priority is to reopen the canal to full navigation as soon as possible.
We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates 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 stretches to navigation.
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]
Original 25 June 2025, 12:39pm
Following the driest spring in a century, water levels in some of our reservoirs have dropped. To help conserve the remaining water, from Wednesday 9 July we will be restricting passage between Buckby Lock 7 and Buckby Lock 13. Locks will be open from 8am to 4pm, with last boat in at 2pm.
The aim of this restriction is to reduce water demand and allow water levels to recover, which will mean that there will be more water available between 8am and 4pm.
We hope this 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.
