Scorched Earth and Calls for Action as Record Summer Drains Greater Manchester Waterways
Greater Manchester – One of the hottest summers on record has left a stark and parched landscape across parts of Greater Manchester, as canals turn to puddles and reservoir shores recede, revealing what lies beneath. The unprecedented dry spell has sparked a debate about the future of the region's historic waterways in an era of climate change.
The Rochdale Canal, a relic of the industrial revolution, has been hit particularly hard. In several sections, the water level has dropped so dramatically that the canal bed is now exposed, showcasing a bleak collection of long-submerged rubbish and debris, much to the dismay of locals who frequent the picturesque towpaths.
While the searing heat is the primary culprit, officials say it is not the only factor. The Canal and River Trust has also pointed the finger at vandals who have been purposefully draining water from the canal, exacerbating an already critical situation.
The consequences of the dwindling canals are rippling out to the reservoirs that feed them. Hollingworth Lake in Littleborough, a popular tourist destination for sailing, rowing, and watersports, has seen its water levels plummet. Vast stretches of its shoreline have transformed into scorched earth, creating an impromptu 'beach' where revellers have been spotted setting up for the day as if on the coast.
The problem is rooted in the historic connection between the two bodies of water. Hollingworth Lake serves as a feeder for the Rochdale Canal, which is notoriously leaky. This means precious water, vital for the lake's recreational economy, is flowing into a canal that struggles to retain it.
Although recent rainfall has eased immediate concerns and United Utilities has assured the public there was never a danger to the drinking water supply, the crisis has prompted calls for long-term solutions.
One local politician has proposed severing the link between Hollingworth Lake and the Rochdale Canal altogether. The argument is that the canal, originally built in the late 18th century to transport coal and cotton for Rochdale's booming textile industry, no longer serves its vital commercial purpose and should not be allowed to jeopardise the lake's tourism industry.
However, the path to decoupling the two is complex. According to Councillor Tom Besford, severing the historic link would require an Act of Parliament. Opponents of the plan argue that a less drastic engineering solution is possible, suggesting an assumed, already existing system could be implemented to allow the lake to refill completely before any of its overflow water is diverted to the canal.
As the climate continues to warm, making extreme heatwaves a more common occurrence, the calls to protect valuable water resources like Hollingworth Lake are expected to grow louder. In the meantime, water company United Utilities is urging all residents in the North West to be more mindful of their water consumption to help preserve supplies. The summer of 2025 has served as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance of the region's water infrastructure and the tough choices that may lie ahead.
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The Rochdale Canal, a relic of the industrial revolution, has been hit particularly hard. In several sections, the water level has dropped so dramatically that the canal bed is now exposed, showcasing a bleak collection of long-submerged rubbish and debris, much to the dismay of locals who frequent the picturesque towpaths.
While the searing heat is the primary culprit, officials say it is not the only factor. The Canal and River Trust has also pointed the finger at vandals who have been purposefully draining water from the canal, exacerbating an already critical situation.
The consequences of the dwindling canals are rippling out to the reservoirs that feed them. Hollingworth Lake in Littleborough, a popular tourist destination for sailing, rowing, and watersports, has seen its water levels plummet. Vast stretches of its shoreline have transformed into scorched earth, creating an impromptu 'beach' where revellers have been spotted setting up for the day as if on the coast.
The problem is rooted in the historic connection between the two bodies of water. Hollingworth Lake serves as a feeder for the Rochdale Canal, which is notoriously leaky. This means precious water, vital for the lake's recreational economy, is flowing into a canal that struggles to retain it.
Although recent rainfall has eased immediate concerns and United Utilities has assured the public there was never a danger to the drinking water supply, the crisis has prompted calls for long-term solutions.
One local politician has proposed severing the link between Hollingworth Lake and the Rochdale Canal altogether. The argument is that the canal, originally built in the late 18th century to transport coal and cotton for Rochdale's booming textile industry, no longer serves its vital commercial purpose and should not be allowed to jeopardise the lake's tourism industry.
However, the path to decoupling the two is complex. According to Councillor Tom Besford, severing the historic link would require an Act of Parliament. Opponents of the plan argue that a less drastic engineering solution is possible, suggesting an assumed, already existing system could be implemented to allow the lake to refill completely before any of its overflow water is diverted to the canal.
As the climate continues to warm, making extreme heatwaves a more common occurrence, the calls to protect valuable water resources like Hollingworth Lake are expected to grow louder. In the meantime, water company United Utilities is urging all residents in the North West to be more mindful of their water consumption to help preserve supplies. The summer of 2025 has served as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance of the region's water infrastructure and the tough choices that may lie ahead.
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