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Watford Lock Flight

Type: Navigation Restriction

Waterway(s): Leicester Line (Grand Union Canal)

From: 13 July 2026, 3pm

To: On-going

Region: East Midlands

Reason: Low Water Levels

Subject to review on: 14 August 2026

Location

Closest waterwayLeicester Line (Grand Union Canal)
Starts atLock 1
Ends atLock 7

Description

Original 9 July 2026, 11:07am

Reservoir holdings feeding the Leicester Line are lower than normal for the time of year. This is a result of the prolonged dry weather and challenges with water assets.

To help conserve the remaining water, Watford Locks will close early with last boat in at 3pm on Monday 13th July. From Tuesday 14th July we will be reducing the opening times to 10am, to close with last boat in at 3pm.

This action is also being introduced at Foxton Lock Flight.

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 for daytime journeys. We hope this action will allow for your continued enjoyment of our waterways throughout the summer.

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