The Canal & River Trust is reminding boaters on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to help conserve water. We’re doing this because rainfall has been lower than usual this year and our reservoir holdings on the canal are less than we would like to see.
Our water team has been monitoring the situation closely and feels that now is the time to remind boaters to conserve water to help us ensure we have enough to supply the Leeds & Liverpool Canal throughout the main boating season. The recent rainfall has helped top the reservoirs up a little but not to normal levels.
We are continuing our works on leakage reduction and repairs to lock paddles and gates as part of our ongoing maintenance programme of the 200 year-old canal system. Also, on the Wigan Flight, to prevent unnecessary loss of water through vandalism we’re locking the flight between 8pm and 8am.
As a boater there are some simple steps you can take to help us conserve water:
Two in a lock? – share locks where possible
· Help keep it in – make sure gates and paddles are shut
· If you see inexperienced boaters who need help closing paddles or gates please provide assistance or let our lock keepers know
· If you see any leaks – please tell us about them
· Invite oncoming boats through – don’t empty or fill locks if someone else can make use of the water
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep you updated. With these simple actions our water reserves will last longer. Our reservoirs can refill quickly if we get a good downpour but every little helps!