Thrift policy implemented by BW
24th Jun 2008
As part of a commitment to hire boat operators, BW has written to those on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal advising them that the reservoirs on the waterway are below their long term average together with a forecast water resource position for the remainder of main cruising season.
The rainfall in the region since the beginning of May has been the second lowest over the last 80 years with less than 30% of long term average rainfall. British Waterways is striving to do as much as it can to ensure that the risks are kept to a minimum, and despite an extremely dry period, there is a 70% chance that restrictions to navigation will not be required over the course of this summer.
BW's operations teams are continuing to ensure that feeds to the canal are kept to a minimum to maximise the water resources available. In addition, BW has implemented its 'Thrift' policy with water conservation notices posted at sanitary stations, marinas and on lock balance beams.
Darren Leftley, head of hydrology at BW comments: "Normally the north and west of England and Scotland experience higher rainfall totals than the south and east. This year we’ve seen somewhat of a reverse and our reservoirs in the south and east are generally above their long term averages whilst a number in the north and Scotland are lower than normal. Clearly rainfall patterns over the next few months will have a bearing on our reservoir holdings, however our day to day monitoring and management of water resources will help to keep any restrictions to an absolute minimum."
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