Diglis Basin to Lock 4, Worcester

Water levels at Diglis Basin in Worcester are currently lower than normal. To conserve water in the basin, we have unfortunately had to temporarily restrict passage onto the River Severn through Diglis Lock. Boats can use Diglis Lock through limited bookable passage daily between 11am and 3pm. We're sorry for the inconvenience this causes.

The low water levels stem from new environmental legislation which has changed how water can be abstracted from rivers across England and Wales – including water that is pumped from the River Severn to keep Diglis Basin topped up – replacing water that is used when boats pass through Diglis Lock.

To comply with the new legislation, which has come into force to better protect fish in the river, additional screening measures are required before water can once again be pumped from the river into the canal. We are working with the Environment Agency to find a practical and affordable solution that will allow water abstraction to safeguard navigation while meeting these latest environmental requirements. We expect to have a compliant solution in place within the next 4 weeks and we will update this notice accordingly.

Boaters wishing to book a passage through either Lock 1 (River Lock) or Lock 4 (Blockhouse) should contact us by phone or email:

• 0303 040 4040

• [email protected]

Due to ongoing low water levels and while alternative pumping solutions are explored, the Trust will continue to facilitate limited, controlled passages at 11:00 and 14:00, where water levels allow.

These controlled passages will now take place on both weekdays and weekends, subject to sufficient water levels being available in Diglis Basin.

Passages will continue to operate on a pre‑booked basis. However, due to short notice, this weekend (18th/19th April) passages will operate on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

It is anticipated that up to four boats per opening (two boats at a time) may be able to pass through on each occasion. Passage cannot be guaranteed and will depend on water levels at the time of operation.

A reminder that boaters wishing to book a passage through either Lock 1 (River Lock) or Lock 4 (Blockhouse) should contact us by phone or email:

• 0303 040 4040
• [email protected]

When getting in touch, please provide as a minimum:

• Boat name
• Contact telephone number

We will then confirm directly with customers once a passage has been allocated.

Whilst we continue to seek alternative pumping solutions, and where water levels allow, the Trust will be facilitating limited, pre‑booked passages at 11:00 and 14:00 on weekdays.

Our ongoing priority is to protect water levels for boats moored in Diglis Basin and the pound above Lock 4, due to nearby residential moorings and businesses that could be affected by changes in water levels.

It is anticipated that there will be a minimum of two passages available at each time. Boaters wishing to pass through either Lock 1 (River Lock) or Lock 4 (Blockhouse) must contact us in advance to book a passage. If passages are not pre‑booked, transit cannot be guaranteed.

Boaters wishing to book passage should contact us by phone or email:

• 0303 040 4040
• [email protected]

When getting in touch, please provide as a minimum:

• Boat name
• Contact telephone number
• Preferred time of passage

We will then confirm directly with customers once their passage has been allocated.

Please note: if, prior to the scheduled passage times, water levels drop due to unforeseen circumstances, passage will not be possible until levels have recovered.

The Trust will be facilitating controlled passages at 11:00 and 14:00 today (13/04/26) for any boats in the area waiting to move off the River Severn.

We appreciate your patience and understanding while we work to resolve this situation and will provide further updates as soon as more information becomes available.

For safety reasons, the Trust will be facilitating a controlled passage for up to four boats to move off the River Severn at 11:00 on Saturday 11 April. Following this movement, the navigation will remain closed. At present, we are unable to quickly re‑establish water levels until temporary pumps can be installed, which is work we are progressing as a priority.

Boaters who need to move off the River Severn during this scheduled passage on Saturday should contact the Trust on 0303 040 4040 in advance so that arrangements can be made.

Please note that boats can continue to access the River Severn at Hawford via the Droitwich Canals. Private pump‑out and Elsan disposal facilities remain available at nearby marinas.

Outside of the scheduled movement, access to or from the river will only be permitted for emergency reasons. In these circumstances, please contact us immediately using our out‑of‑hours emergency number: 0800 47 999 47.

We appreciate your patience and understanding while we work to resolve this situation and will provide further updates as soon as more information becomes available.

Due to the Diglis Basin Back Pump being inoperable, we are currently unable to maintain normal and safe navigation water levels.

Our immediate priority is to protect water levels for boats moored in Diglis Basin and the pound above Lock 4, particularly due to nearby residential moorings and businesses that could be affected by changes in levels.

Boaters who require access to Pinders Dry Dock or need to get safely from the River Severn, are advised to contact us directly.

We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation while this issue is being managed.