OVER THE LAST TWO DAYS there have been five stoppages due to lack of water.
With the continued drought making it likely to be even more, Keith Gudgin reports.
Rochdale Canal on ration
The significant water scarcity on the Rochdale Canal last summer has prompted Canal & River Trust to ration the water with set times for boats allowed through locks 1 to 13.
This means the trust will be introducing an operational window for those locks, telling 'this change is being implemented to provide greater certainty for boaters on when navigation will be available and to help us keep the canal open for as long as possible through the summer months'.
Soar
The river is closed between North Lock 42 and Limekiln Lock 43.
This is due to lack low water levels, with passage not currently possible while the team carry out water control, and could take a while for levels to come back.
Erewash Canal
The Erewash Canal is very prone to lack of water stopping navigation.
This time it is closed between Stenson's Lock 71 and Shipley Lock 72, due to lack of water in the pound.
Erewash Canal closed further
Another stoppage notice for the Erewash Canal, with the locks 71 to 72 now extended from Greens Lock 68 to Shipley Lock 72 due to further low water levels.
With the trust asking boaters not to attempt to navigate this stretch until water levels have recovered.
Sheffield & Tinsley Canal
The Sheffield & Tinsley Canal is closed owing to lack of water from Lock 1 to Sheffield Basin Wharf.
Our being told that this section is currently experiencing low water levels. The pumps are working and the Tinsley Lock flight is still closed from over the weekend to try and allow the water levels to recover.
Cooperation is essential
The trust state that your cooperation during this time is essential and deeply appreciated. Here are some things you can do to help reduce strain on the system:
Share locks where possible and make the best use of the water available.
Make sure paddles are fully closed once you've passed through a lock.
Aim for minimal contact when navigating through locks by ensuring gates are fully open as you pass through. Pushing gates open using a boat can damage the gate lining, increasing its leakage.