Combating lack of water

Your readers may be interested in the plans that British Waterways is putting into place to maximise water resources in the Midlands and South East ahead of the main boating season, writes Vince Moran, British Waterways Operations Director.

It's no secret that many parts of southern and central Britain have experienced the driest twelve months since records began and, in these areas groundwater tables and reservoir holdings are considerably lower than normal for this time of year when water supplies typically recover. This is posing problems for water suppliers, farmers and, if left unchecked, could affect a proportion of our canal network.

Investment

There's not much we can do about the lack of rain but it's sensible for us to look into alternative supplies and making more efficient use of what we already have. This is why we are investing an additional £700,000 in works that will help replenish reservoir levels across the Midlands and South East and make the available water last as long as possible throughout the 2012 main boating season.

Our specialist Water Management team has identified nearly 30 short-term, localised, schemes across the Midlands, South East and on the Kennet & Avon Canal which include prioritising the clearing of feeders, implementing new pumping regimes and raising weir boards. In addition, works on the Grand Union Leicester Line will include installing new gate liners on seven key locks.

It's unlikely that these measures will solve the problem in its entirety, and we'll be working closely with boating groups, waterway businesses and volunteers throughout the winter and beyond, but by implementing these measures now we'll put the waterways in the best possible position for next year.

Boaters have important role

It goes without saying that boaters will have an important role to play. A few simple steps such as sharing locks, ensuring paddles are closed and taking extra care to avoid hitting lock gates will go a long way to helping make the most of the water we have available to us.

Of course, we don't want anyone to panic and it's important to put the situation into context—the majority of the network will not be significantly affected.

This year is likely to be a challenge but if we all pull together and everyone plays their part I'm hopeful that we can keep things running as smoothly as possible.