Navigation at Gloucester Docks may be restricted to protect Bristol’s drinking water supply amid the ongoing drought impacting the River Severn.
The prolonged dry spell this summer has caused critically low water flows and levels along the Severn, Britain’s longest river. In response, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales have applied for a six-month drought order aimed at conserving water resources along the river for an extended period at reduced volumes. This approach seeks to prevent abrupt declines in water levels that could harm the local ecology and migratory fish populations.
The river’s flow is artificially supported by reservoir and groundwater releases, but this year such releases have been large and continuous to maintain a healthy environment. This has notably lowered the water levels in Llyn Clywedog Reservoir, located at the Severn’s headwaters in Wales, reaching drought action thresholds that necessitate operational adjustments via a drought order.
READ MORE: Gloucester Streets to Host 500 Vintage Cars and Historic Military Tank in Free Festival
READ MORE: Gloucester Park sees increased police patrols amid concerns over anti-social behaviour
If granted, the order would impose a cap on water abstraction from the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal at Gloucester Docks to 300 million litres per day, applicable when flows measured at Deerhurst or Haw Bridge gauges fall below 1,200 million litres per day.
Currently, the Canal and River Trust pumps approximately 245 million litres daily into the Docks, which then feeds the canal before being diverted over 14 miles downstream to Bristol Water’s treatment works at Purton. Notably, around half of Bristol’s drinking water is supplied via this canal.
Each use of the locks at Gloucester Docks and Sharpness results in significant water loss from the canal. The Canal and River Trust has indicated that complying with the drought order will necessitate closing navigation through Gloucester Lock to preserve the essential water volume within the canal.
At Sharpness, canal passage will be restricted to commercial traffic; however, the Trust aims to accommodate leisure vessels alongside commercial shipping where feasible.
Jay Clements, managing director of English Holiday Cruises Ltd, whose Edward Elgar hotel boat operates at the Docks, stated his company continues to operate under current conditions while engaging with authorities regarding the drought order application. “We acknowledge the severity of the drought and the need to protect the River Severn’s water resources,” he said. “Our concern is ensuring that any navigation restrictions are proportionate, based on current operational data, and implemented only when genuinely necessary.”
A spokesperson for the Canal and River Trust explained that the charity is collaborating with government bodies and partners to manage this exceptionally dry year and its consequences. They stressed the priority to maintain water flow to support Sharpness Docks operations and meet Bristol Water’s supply obligations.
“The drought order will require limiting water intake from the River Severn into the canal,” the spokesperson said. “As a result, navigation through Gloucester Lock will be closed to conserve canal water. Passage at Sharpness will be limited to commercial traffic, although we will try to safely accommodate leisure boats where possible.”
The situation remains fluid due to the evolving nature of the drought. The Canal and River Trust will keep customers and stakeholders informed about any further necessary measures in line with governmental guidance following the drought order consultation period.
Members of the public have until 25 August to submit objections to the drought order application, which is under consideration by Defra and the Welsh government. If approved, the order would be effective for six months.