Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal water abstraction

Planned enforcement of water abstraction licence conditions has severely limited the water we can abstract from the River Usk and its tributaries to supply the canal.

Being faced with having to now pay for the water, but without any new income to help pay for it, our charity is facing the stark reality that we may only be able to provide a limited supply.

Given the scale of the economic, environmental and social impact, we are seeking support from Welsh Government to find a solution, to avert the potentially catastrophic consequences for the canal and the local businesses who depend upon it.

What has happened?

Since the canal was first built 225 years ago, it’s depended on water abstracted from the River Usk and its tributaries. Our abstractions were not regulated, but in 2017, our exemption from the Water Resources Act 1991 was removed, requiring us to apply for water abstraction licenses.

We appealed against the conditions attached to two licenses, raising concerns about limits placed on water supply, with consequences for the natural environment and local economy. The recent result of these appeals means we’re now required to severely limit water abstractions to the levels set out in the licences.

The River Usk at Brecon is the main feed to the canal and provides around 80-90% of the water required to meet water demands.

What could this mean for the canal?

The canal faces a precarious future. On top of our substantial annual investment into the canal we cannot afford to pay significant amounts each year to secure the water supply that the canal has relied upon for its 225-year existence.

• At times use of the locks could be restricted
• Locks could be closed completely to safeguard the canal from running dry
• It could impact the boat hire companies who use the canal
• A negative impact for the local economy who benefit from one of the main features of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park
• The rich wildlife who rely on the canal could suffer
• The structure of the canal, which is over two centuries old, could be damaged by a lack of water

What are we doing?

We are now working with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and other stakeholders to explore other water supply options.

We are working with Welsh Government to raise awareness of the impact a restricted or closed canal could have on people, the local area, economy and wildlife.

We’ll continue communicating with boaters, local businesses and stakeholders to provide them with the latest information and encourage their support to help us keep the canal alive and open.