The operators of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal have issued a warning about an impending water shortage that could lead to the historic waterway drying up. The canal, which is over 225 years old, is reliant on water sourced from the nearby River Usk. Without significant rainfall in the immediate future, the Canal & River Trust has expressed concern that water levels will plummet, threatening not only the ecological integrity of the canal but also the livelihoods dependent on it.

The canal is situated in Wales, winding through the scenic Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, formerly known as the Brecon Beacons National Park, and passing through the Blaenavon industrial landscape World Heritage Site. Mark Evans, the regional director for the Canal & River Trust, highlighted that the 18th-century engineering relied heavily on a consistent supply from the River Usk. However, he noted that recent legal changes have imposed severe restrictions on how much water can be diverted from the river, which complicates the Trust’s ability to maintain adequate water levels.

Evans remarked, “Since the canal was built at the end of the 18th Century, it has drawn most of its water from the River Usk. However, the application of 21st Century changes in legislation means that supply of water is now severely limited.” He further explained that prioritisation of the River Usk, combined with the lack of alternative water sources, poses serious risks to the integrity of the canal, which could severely affect boaters and the wildlife that thrives along its banks.

The Canal & River Trust has indicated it is exploring discussions with Welsh Water to identify alternative water supplies, although Evans stated that there is currently “no solution in sight” that the charity can afford. The situation has become increasingly critical, as the Trust faces the possibility of having to restrict canal usage or incur high costs associated with sourcing water elsewhere.

Tracey Leake-Jones, who manages the Bridge 46 to Five Locks canal group, conveyed the severity of the situation, stating, “Everything the canal supports is at threat – we risk losing the jewel in the crown of south Wales.” Leake-Jones has called upon the Welsh government to intervene and convene stakeholders to find an effective solution aimed at safeguarding the future of the canal.

The Canal & River Trust’s appeals underscore the intricate balance between legislative regulations, environmental conservation, and the economic factors tied to the historic waterway, which has served as a vital resource for both ecological habitats and local communities for over two centuries.

Source: Noah Wire Services