You are here:

News

Research underway into dry canals

22nd Dec 2003

Engineers are busy working to prevent the dry winter from causing canal water shortages.

The Environment Agency has warned that the exceptionally dry period since last February is putting water supplies under immense pressure and draining existing resources. By the end of the summer, reservoir levels on the British Waterways network of canals and rivers were significantly down on normal - especially after the exceptionally dry September and October.

Through careful management of water resources, there were only limited restrictions on canal opening times. The task is now to ensure that water shortages don't bite earlier next summer.

Some areas are causing more concern than others. Engineers and water scientists are now analysing information to identify likely areas of shortfall in water supply. They say that, in some areas, they may need to work in partnership with the Environment Agency to find alternative sources.

Last updated: 22/10/2008