OnTheCut

7 August 2025 at 14:58

We have continued to monitor the exceptionally dry conditions and the resulting impact on our reservoirs. Unfortunately, despite all our operational efforts, as rainfall has remained well below the long-term average, water levels in our feeder reservoirs are continuing to fall due to canal water demands.

We can now confirm that, from 3pm on Friday 8th August, we will be temporarily closing the Ten Mile Pound on the Grand Union Canal, between Bordesley Junction and Knowle Locks. This difficult but necessary decision comes as water levels in Olton Reservoir have reached critically low levels, making it no longer possible to support safe and sustainable navigation in this area.

This closure will help redirect water from the Birmingham Level to support efforts to reopen the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal, which is under considerable strain due to ongoing water shortages.

An alternative route to Lapworth remains available via the Worcester & Birmingham and North Stratford canal.

If it rains enough to allow safe navigation, restrictions will be lifted immediately: this is likely to require sufficient and prolonged rain over several weeks rather than a sudden very heavy downpour.

We understand this is disappointing news, and our priority remains to reopen the canal to full navigation as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued support in reducing water use across our network and for reporting leaks or concerns via 0303 040 4040 or our Contact Us page.