Planned enforcement of water abstraction licence conditions has severely limited the water we can abstract to supply the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal.
Restrictions have been put in place on the historic feed of water that supplies the canal and we are facing challenges with only being able to provide a limited supply to maintain navigation.
We have created this list of FAQs to provide information on the latest situation on the canal, and to provide guidance for users of the canal.
What has happened?
Since its construction 225 years ago, the Mon & Brec has drawn its water supply from the nearby River Usk. However, following a change in legislation, Natural Resources Wales (the body responsible for environmental affairs in Wales), will no longer permit us to withdraw enough to sustain navigation during drier periods.
What has changed?
In 2017, the Trust’s exemption from the Water Resources Act 1991 was removed, so the Trust began applying for water abstraction licences in order to continue taking water from the River Usk and its tributaries. These licences have various conditions that the Trust needs to meet and limits the volume of water the Trust can abstract.
The Trust appealed against the conditions attached to two licences to abstract water for the canal, however Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) has now determined these appeals against the Trust (so not in the Trust’s favour), and the Trust is now required to severely limit water abstractions to the levels set out in the licences.
Is there anything the Trust can do to get more water into the canal?
Unfortunately, despite appealing the decision, we were unable to change it. We are, however, continuing dialogue with the Welsh Government and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to try to find an alternative and affordable solution.
What has happened in April?
On 4 April we secured an emergency short-term supply of water from Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) to stave off the prospect that the canal could run dry in the coming days due to the dry weather. This emergency measure has seen us divert money away from planned maintenance and repairs to secure a ‘stop gap’ water supply. If the canal were to dry out, the effects on the historic structure and thriving ecology could be catastrophic, and jobs and tourism in south Wales irreparably impacted.
We're uncertain how long this stop-gap measure can last – it depends on rainfall and other factors – but it will help secure the canal for the coming weeks. It is unfortunately short-term only and the pressure remains to urgently find a viable long-term solution for the canal.
What are you looking to do to change it?
We’ve been seeking support from Welsh Government and are working with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to explore other viable water supply options. We’ve been meeting with MPs and MSs to garner support and are working with businesses, boaters and other key stakeholders to keep them updated and informed on what’s happening.
When will navigation stop?
It’s entirely dependent on the weather. Continuing dry weather will hasten the point at which navigation becomes unsustainable. On the other hand, persistent, and large, volumes of rain will prolong navigation.
How much notice will be given?
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to be precise. The two primary influences are the weather and boat movements. We expect to be able to give a minimum of two days’ notice but, with the right conditions, potentially up to a week.
I’m a continuous cruiser on the Mon & Brec, what should I do?
We would advise you to cruise within a reasonable vicinity of services such as water points, pump out etc. Additionally, this location should not require passage through a lock to access services.
Does it mean that, once navigation is closed, I won’t have to comply with the T&Cs of my licence i.e. moving to a new location every 14 days?
If we have to close the navigation, we will temporarily suspend the requirement for boats to move until we are able to re-open the canal for navigation.
When will navigation resume?
As with stopping navigation, we are entirely at the mercy of the weather. Once sufficient rain has fallen in the Mon & Brec catchment area, and the canal has refilled, we will reopen navigation.
Will special consideration be given to vulnerable boaters?
If you are a vulnerable boater, please get in touch so that we can offer tailored assistance as best we can.
Is the future of the canal under threat?
The canal faces a precarious future. We can’t afford to pay significant and prohibitive amounts each year, on top of the already substantial investment into the canal, to secure the basic water supply that it has depended on for over 200 years. Due to the abstraction licence conditions, we may be forced to place restrictions that would limit the use of the canal by boaters or close the canal altogether at times when we’re unable to bring in the water we need to enable navigation.
What are the impacts of the canal closing?
The canal makes a significant contribution to the local economy, supports local businesses, including boat hire companies, and is the home to liveaboard boaters. A lack of water in the canal has the ability to damage its physical condition as a structure that’s 225 years old. It will impact the local environment with the wildlife and ecology who rely on it.
Why can’t Glandŵr Cymru pay for water to supply the canal from elsewhere?
As a charity, we are unable to pay the new annual costs the licencing conditions would require in order to supply the necessary water to fully operate the canal. The amount needed to supply the canal can fluctuate, meaning in particularly dry years, the amount of water needed may be significantly more and at a higher cost.
How can I find out more?
You can visit our website to discover more about the issues we’re facing. Boaters can get advice from boating enquiries. We also recommend signing up to our stoppage notices.
What can I do to help?
A petition has been launched to raise awareness of the importance of the canal with Welsh Government that you can sign online. We’re also encouraging people to write to their local MP and MS.
