Descriptions
Update 15 August 2025, 3:56pm
Water levels are now back on the Ashton Canal, however still not enough water coming in to make it safe to operate the locks so we will need to keep this navigation closed for the time being.
Navigation will remain closed until the situation improves with the joining canals, and this decision has been made to ensure the safety of boaters and to protect the long-term condition of the canal infrastructure and environment.
A further update will be provided on Friday 29 August.
Update 1 August 2025, 9:32am
Due to the continuation of the dry weather, water levels remain low, Locks 1 to 18 on the Ashton Canal 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.
Original 28 July 2025, 8:40am
Due to exceptionally low water levels and ongoing water supply challenges, the Ashton Canal is currently closed to navigation. This decision has been made to ensure the safety of boaters and to protect the long-term condition of the canal infrastructure.
A further update will be provided on Friday 1 August.
