The impact of storms on our canals

Find out how extreme weather affects our ageing and fragile network – and the work we're doing to react, repair and restore our canals this winter.

The threat of extreme weather

How does storm damage impact our work? Last year...

23000

hours

spent on emergency or arising works

million

spent on emergency repairs

storms

in 3 months caused significant damage

When storms hit our canals and rivers, they cause immediate and widespread damage.

They put immense pressure on our resources, and our teams are already on the ground preparing for extreme weather this winter.

Last year, we had to prioritise emergency works in response to storm damage.

Find out the challenges we face this winter and how you can be part of the solution

Each year, we spend our resources on strengthening our canals, rivers and reservoirs to better withstand the impact of storms.

Barrowford Reservoir: We've stabilised the embankment by lowering the crest, reducing the steepness of the embankment and improving the existing pipework to enable the reservoir to better cope with harsh weather this year.
Swellands Reservoir: We’ve constructed a permanent track across the reservoir so we can respond more quickly to emergencies in case of further storm damage this winter.
Startopsend Reservoir: We’ve replaced the existing spillway with a new, reinforced concrete structure to better cope with extreme weather this winter.
Knypersley Reservoir: We're currently re-pointing masonry in the spillway and draw-off tunnel to ensure this 200-year-old structure can survive the rising threat of more frequent, severe storms.

Last Edited: 21 November 2024