How are climate pressures affecting the UK's canal network?

Droughts and heavy rainfall are damaging canal infrastructure, leading to closures and mounting maintenance costs. The collapse of the Bridgewater canal embankment in January 2025 highlighted the network's vulnerability, with nearly 1,000 people evacuated.

What is the government's role in supporting the UK's waterways?

The government provides grant funding to the Canal & River Trust, but rising climate-related demands mean state support remains insufficient to maintain the network. The charity is calling for a government review to define sustainable, long-term funding.

Home / Environment / Charity Warns: 99% of Britain's Navigable Waterways at High Risk Amid Global Heating

Charity Warns: 99% of Britain's Navigable Waterways at High Risk Amid Global Heating

Q: What is the Inland Waterways Association warning about the UK's canals and rivers?

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) warns that 99% of Britain's navigable waterways will face heightened risk under a predicted 2°C global heating scenario, with three-quarters of the country's waterways facing financial peril.

1 Nov

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Summary

75% of UK's waterways face financial peril
Droughts and heavy rainfall damage infrastructure
Funding shortfalls compound climate pressures

Charity Warns: 99% of Britain's Navigable Waterways at High Risk Amid Global Heating

According to a report published on 2025-11-01T12:24:24+00:00, the UK's network of canals and rivers is under severe strain from funding shortfalls and growing climate pressures. The Inland Waterways Association (IWA), an independent charity, has released a climate risk map showing that 99% of navigable waterways will face heightened risk under a predicted 2°C global heating scenario.

Areas of particular concern include the Pennines and the Midlands, where droughts are expected to worsen and higher-ground reservoirs feed several canal systems. Sections of the Leeds and Liverpool canal were closed for several months last year due to low water levels. The collapse of the Bridgewater canal embankment in January 2025 also highlighted the network's vulnerability, with nearly 1,000 people evacuated and stabilization costing around £400,000.