Descriptions
Update 27 August 2025, 12:41pm
This closure remains in place to reduce water demand and allow water levels to recover. Our priority is to reopen the canal to navigation as soon as possible. We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates if conditions change.
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 7 August 2025, 2:44pm
We have continued to monitor the exceptionally dry conditions and the resulting 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.
As a result, we can confirm that from 10am tomorrow (Friday 8th August), the Smethwick lock flight will be closed to navigation. This closure will remain in place until there is sufficient rainfall to replenish our reservoirs.
This collective action also applies to the Brades, Spon Lane, Smethwick, and Aston lock flights, and is necessary to help protect vital water resources across the BCN.
If sufficient rainfall allows safe navigation, we will lift restrictions immediately. However, please note that this is likely to require sustained, prolonged rainfall over several weeks, rather than a single heavy downpour.
We understand this is disappointing news, and our priority remains to reopen the canal to full navigation as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued support in reducing water use across our network and for reporting leaks or concerns via 0303 040 4040 or our Contact Us page.
