Updated 24th September 2006
A shortage of water is causing problems again for the region's canals.
On the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, from 21st August, some lock flights will be locked overnight between 6.00 pm and 10.00 am to conserve water in the reservoirs feeding the summit level.
These are:
- Barrowford Locks - last entry 4.30 pm
- Greenberfield Locks - last entry 4.30 pm
- Bank Newton Locks - last entry 5.00 pm
- Gargrave Locks - closed at 6.00 pm
Locks will be re-opened by 10 am and BW advises that boaters may move if they find the locks open before that time.
BW blames untypical low rainfall over the past few months, exceptionally warm temperatures, and increased boat usage, and warns that there is only a few weeks supply available for the summit pound of the canal.
David Crane, Operations Manager, British Waterways Yorkshire, said: "We regret having to take these further measures, but we hope that, by so doing, we can keep the canal open for as long as possible."
Update 14th Sept:
Restrictions on all lock flights have been removed with immediate effect. Water levels have recovered sufficiently to make the time restrictions no longer necessary.
Update 20th Sept:
Reservoirs supplying the area's canals are filling up again, with the Leeds and Liverpool's reservoirs increasing from 45% capacity in August to 47% in September. The Peak Forest and Macclesfield reservoirs increased from 56% to 61% in that time and the Huddersfield Narrow from 64% to 84%!
This compares well with canals in the south, with the Kennet and Avon's reservoirs falling from 52% to 44% capacity.
Reservoirs supplying the Birmingham Canal Navigations have fallen by11% and those for the North Oxford and Grand Union North by 16% and 19% but these figures are partly because some reservoirs are being allowed to empty for repairs over the winter.
Tuel Lane Deep Lock
The Rochdale Canal was closed for 10 days at the end of July between Locks 1 and 5 due to low pounds above Sowerby Bridge. This section has now been re-opened.
This problem has occurred partly because the deep lock at Tuel Lane uses a lot of water. This is compensated for by water being extracted from the river at Luddendon Foot to feed the long pound above the lock. However, in times of low rainfall, the Environment Agency stops the extraction in order to protect river wildlife. British Waterways have been temporarily back-pumping water at Sowerby Bridge which is helping the canal levels above the town. They are also increasing the feed from the summit and managing the water levels as it is fed down the navigation.
Tuel Lane Lock is keeper-operated and only open during working hours. Passage must be booked 24 hours in advance on 01942 405700. Narrowboats may have to wait until another narrowboat arrives in order for them to share locks to conserve water. Boaters intending to use this section may check the current situation by contacting BW on 01942 405700.
British Waterways have stated that water supplies to the Rochdale, the Leeds and Liverpool and the Lancaster Canals are low. They advise that boaters share locks, ensure that all paddles are fully closed after use and that any vandalism or misuse is reported to them if observed (01942 405700).
The Glasson Branch of the Lancaster Canal has been temporarily closed to help conserve water. BW may need to close the Ribble Link if water levels continue to fall.
The problem of shortage of water supply is even more acute in the south of England, where the Kennet and Avon Canal has been closed between Crofton and Wootton Rivers and much of the Basingstoke Canal is closed.
