Descriptions
Update 21 July 2026, 3:53pm
Our local team has been working to restore water levels between Lock 41 and Lock 71 on the Trent & Mersey Canal and are now completing the final stages of replenishment. As a result, the navigation is expected to reopen for safe passage from 12:00 noon on Wednesday 22 July.
We will continue to monitor water levels closely once reopened. Should levels decrease again, we may need to implement further water conservation measures to effectively manage the water supply and maintain safe navigation.
Please note a restriction will be in place from Wednesday, 22 July at Lock 72 and Lock 75 to help manage the water levels, Further details can be found via the following link.
Update 17 July 2026, 11:39am
Due to the continuation of dry weather and persistently low water levels, navigation remains closed between Lock 41 and Lock 71 on the Trent & Mersey Canal.
We will continue to monitor the situation daily, and as soon as the water levels have recovered sufficiently to allow for safe navigation, the closure will be lifted.
While water holdings across the canal network are higher than they were at this point last year, hot and dry weather can create extra challenges for boating and water supply.
To make the most of the water we have in the reservoirs, we're trying to tailor the feed very accurately to the demand so water doesn't go to waste. If the demand is greater than we predicted or paddles get left up, then we may need short breaks to rebalance the supply, sometimes at short notice. We apologise for the disruption and thank you for your patience during these periods.
If you see that water levels are looking unusually low, please let us know. Our teams actively manage water levels and can carefully refill low pounds, checking for problems and making sure moored boats on adjacent pounds stay safe.
A further update will be on or before Tuesday, 21 July
Original 15 July 2026, 1:58pm
Navigation is closed between Lock 41 and Lock 71 on the Trent & Mersey Canal due to low water.
Water levels have dropped due to the current dry weather we are experiencing.
As soon as water levels have recovered sufficiently to allow safe navigation, the closure will be lifted.
A further update will be provided on or before Friday 17 July.
