Chris Collinson – RetireEasy

One of the lesser known effects of the lack of rainfall in England is the shortage of water on the inland waterways.

This has resulted in very low levels of water in the reservoirs that feed the canals. These reservoirs were very low at the end of last summer and things have not improved over the winter.

Despite the low levels boaters should not panic. British Waterways have put into place early restrictions on the opening hours of critical lock flights and have asked boaters to share locks where possible and to take general care of water resources.

With proper management and if boaters carefully choose routes that are not so badly affected by shortages it is possible for all to enjoy the canals and all they offer.