There are growing concerns that one of Wales’ most popular canal could begin to dry up within a week, prompting calls for the Welsh government to step in.
Operators of the 225-year-old Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal have issued an “urgent” warning about a water shortage, with no immediate rainfall expected. The issue has sparked a wider debate about securing a sustainable water supply for the historic site, especially after restrictions were placed on drawing water from the environmentally sensitive River Usk.
The Welsh government stated that any agreement between the Canal & River Trust and Welsh Water would be a commercial matter in which it would not intervene.
Stretching 35 miles (56 km) through the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park—formerly the Brecon Beacons—and the Blaenavon World Heritage Site, the canal attracts about 3 million visitors annually for boating, walking, and cycling.
Tracey Leake-Jones, who leads the Bridge 46 to Five Locks canal group, warned that the canal’s future is at risk, calling it “the jewel in the crown of South Wales.” Her volunteer group organizes events along the canal and has raised funds for enhancements like planters and benches. She described the possibility of the canal closing due to water shortages as “devastating” and argued that only the Welsh government could bring key stakeholders together to find a solution.
She also highlighted the construction of new housing estates using the canal as a selling point and noted the local council’s ambition to extend the waterway to Cwmbran, emphasizing the significant economic benefits.
Concerns about the canal’s water supply were first raised in a February letter from Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust’s Welsh branch, to local businesses. The canal, which historically transported iron and coal to Newport docks, has relied on the River Usk and its tributaries for 80-90% of its water. However, recent legal changes aimed at protecting rivers from climate change impacts now require licenses that limit water abstraction.
Last year, Glandŵr Cymru lost an appeal against restrictions imposed by environmental regulator Natural Resources Wales (NRW). The River Usk is a legally protected special conservation area, home to rare wildlife like the Atlantic salmon, which is at risk of extinction in Wales.
According to Gail Davies-Walsh, CEO of Afonydd Cymru, which represents Welsh river groups, the canal took about 30% of the River Usk’s flow during the last dry period in 2022. She stressed that limits on water abstraction are necessary to protect habitats, particularly in dry summers.
Mark Evans, director of Glandŵr Cymru, acknowledged that the canal could no longer draw the same amount of water from the Usk. However, recent dry weather has intensified the need for an alternative supply. “The amount of water we can take is becoming a real concern,” he said. “It’s urgent—at some point, we’ll have to stop boats from using the locks,” which would impact both canal users and wildlife.
Recent discussions with Welsh Water have explored options to supplement the canal’s water supply during dry periods. However, Evans noted that this could result in significant costs that the trust cannot afford.
Alasdair Kirkpatrick, owner of Beacon Park Boats, said he was caught off guard by the crisis and has already received calls from customers worried about their bookings. “This has shocked us all,” he said. He emphasized the canal’s economic impact, as visitors spend money at local businesses, with some traveling from the U.S. and Australia. He urged the Welsh government to fund Welsh Water to maintain water levels and keep canal-dependent businesses afloat.
NRW’s Gavin Bown explained that regulating water abstraction is a complex process that balances environmental protection with local needs. “Our priority is to safeguard the River Usk and Severn Estuary, both protected conservation areas,” he said, adding that NRW would continue collaborating with the Canal & River Trust.
A Welsh Water spokesperson highlighted that the River Usk supplies drinking water to around 250,000 people in southeast Wales, but is one of the least drought-resilient sources. To address shortages, Welsh Water has proposed redirecting water from the River Tawe during severe droughts, freeing up Usk water for the canal. However, this would come at a cost, and discussions are ongoing to determine affordability. “Providing this water for free or risking drinking water supplies isn’t an option,” the spokesperson said.
The Welsh government reiterated its commitment to protecting the environment and stated that the water restrictions align with what the Canal & River Trust had applied for. It maintained that any agreement between the trust and Welsh Water would be a commercial decision outside its remit.
