BW responds to water supply concerns
BW’s Rudyard Lake reservoir, showing recent improved water levels – photo: Waterway Images
INLAND WATERWAYS: British Waterways (BW) says many parts of central and southern Britain have experienced the driest 12 months since records began, writes Harry Arnold.
Given the amount of rain that has fallen so far this winter (the time of year when water supplies typically recover) BW is investing £700,000 in additional works that will make use of alternative supplies to help replenish reservoir levels and make the available water last as long as possible throughout the 2012 main boating season.
BW’s specialist water management team has identified nearly 30 short term, localised, schemes. These include prioritising the clearing of feeders, implementing new pumping regimes and raising weir boards. Works on the Grand Union Leicester Line will include installing new gate liners on seven key locks.
“It’s no secret that parts of England have had the driest year for over 100 years which is posing problems for water suppliers, farmers and possibly a proportion of our canal network,” said BW director Vince Moran. “The dry conditions have prompted water supply companies to apply for drought permits in anticipation of possible water shortages and, whilst much of the nation’s waterway network will not be significantly affected, BW is also taking early steps to prepare canals in the south and the Midlands.
“The simple truth is that, as a nation, we’ve just not had enough rain.There’s not much we can do about that, but what we can do is look into alternative supplies and make even more efficient use of what we do have. We’ve identified a package of schemes in the Midlands, south east and on the Kennet & Avon Canal which will help us to achieve just that.
“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 the year ahead.
“The key message is that we don’t want anyone to panic and, at this stage, we’re not advising any private or holiday hire boaters to change their cruising plans. The 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.”
Tim Parker, chairman of the Association of Pleasure Craft Operators (APCO) commented: “During 2011, BW managed their water resources very successfully, despite the lowest rainfall in history across parts of the system. We have talked to BW to see how we can help them in reducing the use of water in those areas and are planning to have a further meeting along with members of The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) and the Commercial Boat Owners Association (CBOA), in order to provide concrete help in reducing water usage during the season in any problem areas.
“BW have made huge advances over the past years in their efficient use of water, both through technology and back pumping. We are also very impressed with the extra money that they are spending this winter to alleviate any possible problems in 2012, and will provide any help that we can”.
Boating Business understands ground water levels in the Thames Valley area are exceptionally low and there is low flow in tributaries of the River Thames, as highlighted recently in the national press. However, we couldn’t obtain a statement from the Environment Agency (EA) about any possible future effects on river navigation before we went to press.
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