12th October 2026
Droughts and river transport
Many countries – including the USA, European countries bordering the Rhine and those bordering rivers that flow into the Black Sea – rely on river transport for the movement of goods, as well as for tourism via cruises. When river levels are low, transport is disrupted. Ships may have to operate within a narrow central channel causing traffic jams, or goods may have to be transferred to shallower vessels. Locks which regulate the flow may be opened and closed less frequently delaying shipping. (1) Even the Panama Canal has been affected by low water levels disrupting international shipping.
The UK has a network of small canals which are equally adversely affected by drought. But they also play an important role in maintaining water levels in rivers, including transferring water between river basins. About 40% of Bristol’s drinking water comes via the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.
