Navigation update
Navigation update
Dear all,
Please see latest navigation update.
| Date Of Update: | 19 August 2025 |
| Title Of Update: | Pollution incident cleared – suspected blue-green algae |
| Type Of Update: | |
| Area(s) Affected: | Hampshire Pound: from Holland Moorings, Farnborough to Queen’s Avenue Bridge, Aldershot |
| Summary of Update: | The diesel spill reported on 6 August has now largely cleared; however suspected blue-green algae has been observed in the same area. |
| Effect on Powered Boats: | Navigation reopened |
| Effect on Towpath Users: | Walkers and cyclists – please ensure dogs do not swim in this part of the canal. Please seek veterinary advice if a dog has been in the canal and become unwell. Anglers – fishery reopened – please see guidance on blue-green algae. |
| Effect on Unpowered Boats(e.g canoes/kayaks/paddleboards: | Navigation reopened – we recommend reading EA and RYA advice on blue-green algae – see further advice below. |
| Full Update: | The diesel spill identified on 6 August at Farnborough Road, Aldershot has now largely been removed. There may be small residues of oil amongst the vegetation at the side of the canal. Booms have now been removed. Suspected blue-green algae has now been observed in the same section of canal; we recommend the following: Do not allow your dogs to swim or drink water from the canal. If they go in unintentionally, make sure they do not lick themselves and wash them down to remove the algae from their fur. If you come into contact with the algal blooms ensure good hygiene before eating and drinking. Symptoms may include skin rashes, vomiting, fever and joint pains. If you feel unwell or are concerned please contact your doctor. Unwell pets should be taken to a vet as soon as possible. Canoes and kayaks – do not carry out rolling practice or any activities that will purposely put you under/in the water. If you capsize accidentally try not to swallow water. Shower and wash clothing as soon as possible. The algae can irritate skin particularly if it is trapped between skin and clothing. If you find any green surface scums or swirls of algae keep away from these. Do not use boats that are prone to capsizing until after the algae has gone. Additional information is available on https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/algal-blooms-advice-for-the-public-and-landowners/algal-blooms-advice-for-the-public-and-landowners |
| Map Ref | Name of Lock Flight or Pound | Navigation Status |
| 1 | Woodham Locks (Locks 1 – 6) | OPEN – restricted hours Tues and Thursday only |
| 2 | Woking Pound (Locks 6 – 7) | OPEN |
| 3 | St Johns Locks (Locks 7 – 11) | OPEN – restricted hours Tues and Thursday only |
| 4 | Hermitage Pound (Locks 11 – 12) | OPEN |
| 5 | Brookwood and Deepcut Locks (Locks 12 – 28) | CLOSED – water shortage, ongoing |
| 6 | Mytchett Pound (Locks 28 – 29, Ash Lock) | OPEN |
| 7 | Ash Lock (Lock 29) | CLOSED – water shortage, ongoing |
| 8 | Hampshire Pound (Lock 29, Ash Lock – Greywell) | OPEN – Obey speed restriction signage – ongoing See guidance on blue-green algae |
