Updates
31/10/2022 15:46
Recent rainfall has provided some relief to reservoirs feeding into the canal system.
We are therefore able to remove the restrictions at Braunston from 1 November 2022.
However, it must be noted that this summer's weather has been significantly drier than normal. Many of our reservoirs are well below normal for the time of year and will require all winter to refill, not just following a wet week's weather.
Therefore, we will be monitoring the refill of our reservoirs very closely over the coming months.
Boaters are encouraged to check the Trust's Stoppage Notices for updates. The Trust's drought pages provide information on the current situation: canalrivertrust.org.uk/specialist-teams/managing-our-water/drought
Description
After a relatively dry late spring into the summer, levels in reservoirs are lower than normal for the time of year.
In order to maximise the available water the Trust is taking the sensible precaution of locking targeted locks up overnight. Therefore, as of the 30th August, boats will only be penned through between 8am and 5pm (last boat in at 4pm).
This measure is intended to reduce the potential for water losses overnight and allow back-pumps more time to transfer water from the Braunston Summit onto the Leicester Summit.
We will continue to monitor our reservoir storage and canal opening hours with a view to keeping disruption to a minimum whilst balancing a need to save water.
Boaters also have a really important role to play and we ask that they help us to save water by making sure that all gates and paddles are closed after use, sharing a lock if possible and waiting for oncoming boats where appropriate.
For more water saving tips go to www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/boating/a-guide-to-boating
