‘Save water’ message as levels recover from dry spring

WHEN storms Ciara and Dennis caused widespread flooding earlier this year it was hard to envisage that there could be water shortages ahead.

But as the country locked down in March, one of the driest springs on record saw the North West receive only 30% of its average monthly rainfall in April and 27% in May, according to figures reported by Canal & River Trust senior hydrologist David Mould at the latest press briefing.

And in the trust’s North East region, it was just 14% in April and 28% in May. This resulted in notably or exceptionally low river flows across the north of the country at the start of June.

Some of the river catchments feeding the Leeds & Liverpool Canal missed some of the rainfall in June and the situation on the Lancaster Canal had been exacerbated by rampant weed growth. Other affected canals include parts of the Rochdale Canal and the Ashton Canal where additional demand for water was being met by the Peak Forest Canal, which was already struggling with the loss of supplies from the Toddbrook Reservoir.

David said: “The message is to save water by sharing locks where possible, letting us know about any sudden leaks and closing gates and paddles.” Boaters should also follow any instructions regarding locks which must be left empty or locking anti-vandal devices.

He added that while the trust hopes to keep the Leeds & Liverpool Canal open during the remaining holiday season, with some restricted hours, it may have to implement closures in October if rainfall amounts don’t increase.

Since the meeting, unsettled weather in early July, especially in the north of the country, has resulted in more rainfall but it remains to be seen whether this will replenish depleted water stocks in the weeks and months to come.