Descriptions
Update 7 July 2025, 4:44pm
Following successful trials of alternative pumping methods, we're pleased to let you know that the restrictions mentioned in this previous notice are no longer required at this time. Our local team will continue to monitor the situation closely with weekly reviews.
We're doing everything we can to avoid reintroducing restrictions. However, if circumstances change and restrictions do become necessary again, we'll provide at least two weeks' notice to keep you informed.
Original 2 July 2025, 4pm
We have continued to monitor the exceptionally dry conditions, and the impact on our reservoirs by this and the works underway at Wilstone Reservoir. Unfortunately, despite all our operational efforts to reduce the demand for water, as rainfall has remained well below the long-term average the situation has not improved.
To help us conserve water and maintain safe navigation, we will be introducing some measures on availability of our locks on the Grand Union canal at this time, they are as follows:
Cowroast Lock 46 - Rising Sun Lock 55 locks - will be open between 1000hrs and 1400hrs
Locks 45, 40 and 39 (Marsworth Flight) - will only be open between 1000hrs and 1400hrs (Passage through flight must be completed prior to 1500hrs)
Church Lock 29 - will only be open between 1000hrs and 1400hrs
Fenny Lock 22 - will only be open between 1000hrs and 1400hrs
This will help us preserve water levels while still allowing boating customers to enjoy access during the busier parts of the week. We request that you do not attempt to manager water levels yourself but please contact us if issues arise on 0303 040 4040. 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 stretches to navigation. 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.
