247. Canal water: pumps, reservoirs, the works!

[@JeghedderThomas]

See, this is proper TV, like the kind I grew up with, wherein a particular topic will be covered with enough depth to whet one's apetite for further reading. No interruptions, no tacked-on comedy entertainment or intrusive background music. Sober, direct coverage presented with brevity and precision. Cheers, David - here's to whatever topics you may pick in the future. I'll certainly be watching.

[@makinganarrowboatwithnannyandg]

Hear Hear!

[@VanderlyndenJengold]

Quality broadcast news exists, you just have to find it.

[@TheFrogfather1]

Exactly! In a similar vein if you haven't already found it, try kzbin.info - transport and history related videos with no intrusive music or fancy visuals, just very informative and interesting.

[@tomasn3]

Well put.

[@robertadams2857]

Thoroughly enjoyed this report. The engineering and time period constructed makes for a very interesting story. Would have been interesting to see the steam powered pumps in action. Still want to come over and visit.

[@Richardj410]

Now the time has come. I've watched you videos since the beginning. They have been great. Your since of humor is great. Thank you for all the time you have taken to make these videos. Yes it wants me to take a narrowboat vacation when I hit 74 just a couple of years from now. All I can say is thanks for them all.

[@ynys_mon6928]

Another brilliant video David. You are really digging into that journalism experience you have to bring us some highly informative videos. That must have taken quite a few journeys in your van to get to all the locations!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha yes, a fair few although I combined the Gloucester trip with other filming 😀

[@nitehawk86]

Digging... canals.. haha. :)

[@breor]

Even before I read the comments on this one I was taken aback by the effort and production value. Definitely would not be out of place on the TV. Bravo!

[@MrFgd3]

One of your best videos in Cruising the Cut. The canal network is an engineering marvel, especially given that it is more than 200 years old. It is very impressive to see how well it still works given proper maintenance and occasional modernization.

[@millomweb]

Birmingham (UK) is noted for its canals. Having lived there for a few years I appreciated the engineering. I took photographs of a drained canal of a typical 4' depth and found another canal drained that was 17-20' deep for no apparent reason and I've not found anyone who can explain why it's so deep.

[@MesaperProductions]

^^^ what this guy said!

[@rud]

Yes. Takes a lot of work to do something like this.

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

@@millomweb have you seen the size of him because of that that theory is debunked

[@fbl902]

Absolutely outstanding! What a monumental amount of work must have gone into this comprehensive piece of stellar reportage - not to mention the amount of travel and the sheer time it must have taken to wrangle all the footage from the various sources. First class work, as always. Thank you very much!

[@ericc461]

You know you're a fan when you see one of David's thumbnails announcing "Canal Water", and you pounce on it, knowing it's going to be excellent.

[@CruisingTheCut]

That’s great dedication!

[@hontihl]

Bravo David, we spoke earlier today briefly about this episode... the canal network has such rich history and heritage and water management has cleary always has to be a fundamental part of that, its great to see a more indepth view of how it all gets managed and moved around, and just how much effort it all actaully takes. Really enjoying your new vlog style. I'd say this one is a winner.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hello again! Thank you

[@davidlasoff8261]

Good on ya, David. Boss vlog this one. I learned quite a lot. Thanks, mate! 😊

[@alan6832]

@@CruisingTheCut I didn't realize they made much use of pumps. I assumed it was almost all gravity feed from rainfall on land that was higher than the highest canal. Pumps, combined with the boat engines, sounds rather energy intensive, enough to make me wonder what percentage of canal water gets pumped?

[@warrenhunt5556]

G'day Tim, Your comments are a absolutely spot on!

[@darrellsmith4204]

As much as I enjoyed the older "CTC", your new format is more like watching a nice old-school BBC documentary. Greetings from Brown County, Wisconsin, USA- the home of the only fully restored, hand operated lock system in the USA. (The Fox Locks. 17 locks over 39 miles with 168ft of elevation change..)

[@goofe.washington953]

Mapes

[@nitehawk86]

Wow, how did I not know we had something like this in the US. I really need to visit it sometime in the summer.

[@Simon_Nonymous]

Old school BBC documentary - now that is what I call a compliment. Greetings from Lancashire!

[@century2298]

Wow ! That's excellent. 39 miles is far more than the Ohio canal system has restored. Our one time 1000 mile canal system is mostly unused. I think the longest section in operation is 17 miles.

[@samsanimationcorner3820]

Hey! Another Sconnie, eh? I grew up down along the Rock River. Spent six years in Milton, Wisconsin, and six in Fort Atkinson. Didn't know there were any lock systems at all in Wisconsin, let alone manual ones. Wish they'd built a lock down near the Dells. Could never take a boat up the full length of the Wisconsin River... or the Rock River for that matter.

[@Produkt_R]

This is something that could come straight from TV.

[@andrewmonument8847]

When you see informative content like this.... It makes you realise just how much (unsung) work, and effort - goes into maintaining the whole canal network.

[@keykeypr8292]

I can't say anything that other people haven't already said better, but I just have to thank you for this wonderful vlog. Informative, educational, entertaining. You must have done a huge amount of work pulling all this together. And finding great CRT people to interview. Not all knowledgeable people communicate well and these folks did a great job. Kudos to you and them.

[@poissonpuerile8897]

What an absolutely fabulous documentary! It has nothing at all to envy what one might see on cable TV or the BBC. Thanks!

[@frankschultz4170]

"L'eaudown"? Merveilleux jeu de mots!

[@britannia-foundry]

You have pushed the boat out on this one, I thoroughly enjoyed your new style.

[@theodorrodriguez1800]

what a great video, its cool to see how the canal network is akin to a living breathing organism in its own right, I have a much higher appreciation for the canals now, the network has a real beauty to it

[@sandypoland9141]

Don’t know why I love these videos but I’m hooked,,I think I like David’s voice,,he is such a hoot

[@jasonhughes1674]

These Vlogs should be on mainstream TV. Very professional. Cheers 👍

[@lesransom2964]

Your perception of and articulation of subjects is what draws me to your channels. I mean, I sat and watched you prep and paint you boat roof. Or watched you build out your van into a camper, being carpenter I had some query’s of why you were doing some things but it all came alright in the end. Or when made scones. When you mentioned that you were reducing your videos, which I’m attributing my Afib to so thank you for that lol, I went back to the beginning and rewatch your series. So I’m sure that the distribution of water around the canals will be quite interesting. Hanging with Dave is always good time. Thank you for doing you

[@moonshinepz]

Fascinating. And so well made. If KZbin had documentary awards this would be in the envelope.

[@johnbrockes3205]

Terrific. Should be required viewing for all aspiring video-journalists. How to engage and inform all at once.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@janahutchins4684]

Since becoming enthralled by narrowboats and those who do, I've wondered how the water gets moved around. Thanks for this video; it's so interesting.

[@ralphwood9865]

Hi David,an excellent and extremely informative vlog, you are to be congratulated . This vlog must have taken a lot of research and aranging and should be required viewing by all who live on or venture on the Canal system,well done.

[@catpurrson3651]

Wow, that was fascinating! I had no idea how complicated the whole system is. We cannot forget when and how the canals were engineered and dug. I think the UK canal system should be one of the manmade wonders of the world. Thanks, muchly, for that presentation!

[@MrFQL]

Thank you so much for this very well-done production. It reminds me of the sort of TV I produced, directed and wrote before I retired. This should be required viewing for every new boater. Thanks again.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you so much 😀

[@PC3Pointless]

Lovely to see a video featuring 'the boat' - I do appreciate the change of direction you're taking the channel but I get a warm fuzzy feeling seeing some old school boat footage

[@Renovator26]

Brilliant, David. I really look forward to these little documentaries and appreciate all the work that goes into them. You've hit the sweet spot in the development of narrowboat vlogs. There are so many of them now they've become repetitive and rather like those old 8mm movies our relatives insist we sit and look at. See you again soon I hope. John, Ontario, Canada

[@iansmith371]

This has been on my 'watch later' list for months. - My loss, because this was so, so much more than another vlog. I've just had the privilege of watching a brilliantly produced documentary. Well done and thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@BillMSmith]

Well done. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more than I knew I wanted to know about water management on the canals. I think the most impressive thing is how the basic design from two + centuries ago is still sound. I like your new direction with the channel, I hope you're finding it a bit more rewarding, as well. A little mental stimulation never hurt anyone. (I paused after typing that, thinking about the news, but I'll let it stand.) Again, very well done.

[@scottfw7169]

Quality information presented in a quality manner results in quality content. I dunno what David's cooking is like but his uploads are plenty good. ;)

[@ghost307]

I know that some people are disappointed that you are not going cruising but these categories of videos are my new favorites. You got me hooked on the 'behind the scenes' videos ever since the shop that builds new gates and the visit to the coal delivery boat. I wait with bated breath for new ones.

[@saran.4001]

Sorry to bother you, but why is he not cruising?

[@CruisingTheCut]

He is not cruising for reasons explained in vlog 238

[@saran.4001]

@@CruisingTheCut OK, sorry, I will watch that video. There are so many videos, I did not know where to look, and that is a good thing!

[@CruisingTheCut]

@Sara N. No worries, I would have put the link in if I'd had it handy but was replying on my phone so it's all a bit fiddly. If you click on Videos on my channel page and scroll down a bit, it's easy to find there :-)

[@saran.4001]

​@@CruisingTheCut Thank you so much. I am not too helpless, I just looked the episode up and watched it, now I know. It's just that you have a LOT of videos. I do not blame you for being a bit burnt out. I appreciated your very honest talk. You do not owe us anything. I don't think you realize how much you are loved and that is part of your charm. You are a very real person and that comes across. You are unconscious of how you are. Anyway, I am just a harmless fan here in Georgia recuperating from surgery and you give a much needed respite from your fans' real world. We are all bummed out, so we understand.

[@StevenRides]

The new format is like a documentary. Absolutely love it. Great work David, thank you for showing us this behind the scenes of the canals. I've always been curious about the waterworks. Seeing a very old piece of history, especially the drain plugs in some of the locks.

[@dougmclaren4328]

Excellent David, thoroughly enjoyed this vid. Just wish mainstream TV could produce a documentary to this high standard.

[@barrylaflin8425]

Much ‘dug by hand over 200 years ago ‘. Fabulous engineering history brilliantly recorded by David. Real quality, thank you.

[@ChrisJohnson-qm2qu]

What an interesting documentary! Thank you for presenting it professionally, cleverly edited and with clarity from the contributors. No gimmicks, no distracting music, but with good information it held my attention throughout. Thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@managainsthouse]

This is such a well-made documentary, absolutely top notch. For a moment I got a fright cause I thought I couldn’t remember switching to the BBC, before remembering this is a youtube video.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha cheers 😀

[@VK5FR]

Thoroughly enjoying the new direction of the channel and the technical content relating to the canals. Particularly interested in the historical aspects and the amazing engineering for that time. Still happy to explore new canals anytime! Thank you.

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

A through description of how the canals work.. greater understanding brings greater appreciation of your canals . Thank you for the work that went into this video.thank you.

[@thetessellater9163]

Another superb video, David, you are far exceeding all other canal based vlogs for quality, rigour and educational content. You deserve far more subs than you have so far, keep up the great work, much appreciated by all who watch.

[@RicardoJunqueira]

This channel is a precious gem that needs to be safely guarded for future generations. The production value is immense. Thank you for another great episode.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@Andrew-ep4kw]

Excellent documentary on the canal system in the UK. One thing I liked is it didn't pad the final 3rd by summarizing the points made so far, a sin too many modern documentaries make.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

"Tell them what you are going to tell them; tell them; tell them what you've told them; every ad break summarise the previous "tell'em" again...."

[@johnclark3697]

One of, if not THE BEST utube vllogers.

[@michaelgrunsfeld8221]

you and only you..... all the other bloggers don't explain the technicalities like you ....as I have said before you are the best.... better than all the others put together

[@misterflibble6601]

Absolutely fascinating behind the scenes look at the complex infrastructure and procedures to maintain something as seemingly simple (to me anyways) as maintaining water levels in the canal system. Professionally filmed, edited, narrated and produced as usual, Thanks for posting!

[@jacilynns6330]

Very good video! From Winnipeg Manitoba I send you greetings and can’t wait for next videos. Unlike some other KZbin canal videos yours is not about you but about things around you. This makes it very enjoyable to watch. Not of fan of you tubers that only want to show themselves or talk all the time making them appear…as you brits say…right daft. I’d like to see more of canal trust, like the rebuilding of a canals sidebanks and what is behind it, aka not just putting up blocks or post but engineering. Or what they are doing to currently trim back overgrowth, and or, if they have plans for custom machines. Other places have boats that cut through weeds and haul them away. Sort out plastic waste. Even seen one that is a large scythe, powered, that cuts through overgrowth of trees. Goes along trims the branches and overgrowth back a few feet while collecting and shredding them in one machine to be offloaded later. I’d love a canal system to connect our lakes and rivers to a navigatable system here in Manitoba. Sadly never gonna happen the few canals we had are gone and evidence is fast disappearing we even had them.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I do have some plans to cover maintenance stuff over winter, you’ve reminded me to get that in the diary

[@japrods1]

You haven’t lost your touch. A really well constructed and informative piece. Right people. Right clips. Concise links. And what’s more. It was really enjoyable. Thanks. C&Lx

[@Suho1004]

You've outdone yourself once again, David. What a fantastic documentary! I knew that something like this had to be in place to keep the canals filled, but to be able to see behind the scenes and have a look at exactly how it is done, and to hear from the people who do the work... that was excellent!

[@newyorknewart]

I MUST COMPLIMENT YOU ON THIS VIDEO. IT IS PROBABLY THE MOST INFORMATIVE I HAVE EVER SEEN ON ANY VLOG, AND I WATCH A HELL OF A LOT OF THEM. I NEVER KNEW, OR APPRECIATED THE INTRICATE COMPLEXITY OF THE CANAL WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. NEVER KNEW INFO ABOUT THE RESEVOITS OR SPILLWAYS AND HOW THEY PREVENT FLOODING AND REACT TO IT. REALLY TOP NOTCH WORK HERE.

[@reillyg8178]

Your caps lock is on 🤦‍♂️

[@clearprop]

Yet another well researched, filmed and presented film. Anyone would think you're a pro, David. 😉👍

[@andylane7142]

IMHO this is one of if not your best video. Easily broadcast quality and would have taken an entire team not that long ago. A real achievement made even better by the enthusiastic and knowledgeable experts you managed to incorporate.

[@simondalton1298]

David. Great vlog. Very informative. Thank you

[@ralphvanthoff]

Nice! Really like the way your channel is going after you mentioned there will be fewer updates. Value these quality mini docus over weekly random cruising. Keep posting David!

[@erwinballings9155]

I am truly impressed by what the engineers have accomplished over 200 years to build this water system. And also another proof that the climate is changing and fortunately they were able to avoid a major disaster 🙏 thanks for posting this video it was really worth seeing.

[@dorothydotson7154]

The canals and how they work is kind of a mystery to me watching cruising vlogs from landlocked, Indiana, USA. This helps a lot. Very interesting!

[@koputai]

Thanks David, that was very informative, and nicely produced. I’ve seen full production teams not do as well as this video.

[@sretawl]

I really liked this video. Very interesting and informative. Well done.

[@polygraphpolygraphovich9589]

"The L'eau Down" - David John, you're a genius wordsmith

[@GarryI449]

Very well done David, that was immensely interesting…

[@DK-hs3oz]

What a complex problem. Thanks for the look behind the curtain and under the lock. Very compelling material for the canal curious, and the engineers among us.

[@deebeeeff]

Very interesting. I have always wondered about how the system works. However, I did miss your usual, "Welcome to the Vlog". :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha yes it didn’t feel much like a vlog, this one!

[@NeverlandSystemZor]

I found myself fascinated watching the bridge lift in the background while the guy talking about the processes and systems was talking. It actually made me watch this video twice, the second time to catch everything he said. ;)

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

Had to watch this one again. This time to see why this explanation made it so simple. Perhaps because it was comprehensive. Can't wait till this summer for another good explanation...perhaps of the canals they are working on , I think west of the cotswold....??????

[@100boomer]

David, loved that video. It's good to see some of the infrastructure that most people don't even give a thought to, and to realise how clever the original designers were. Thank you, really enjoyed it!

[@wendycrooks875]

You make the history and workings of the canal really interesting. We love watching your vlogs. Hopefully, by next Summer, we will be continuously cruising and enjoying our retirement. 🤞

[@floatybyboaty]

Really enjoying your new format of delivery great information on our wonderful canal network. Well done Sir.

[@clarefriend1376]

Really like this format. A well done documentary. But also enjoy your actual cruising videos.

[@robertmcdonnold3038]

It's so nice to get a "behind the scenes "look at how the canals work. Thanks Bob

[@marilynkirby-roach187]

Fascinating. Although I really miss your regular jaunts down the canals, I really like these informative and educational videos as well. As an American, I'm not familiar with the canal systems and how they work, so I really enjoy learning about the history of the UK canals. One day, I hope to have the opportunity to ride in a narrowboat on one of the canals. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Really interesting and informative video on some of the critical 'hidden' infrastructure which keeps our canals functioning as canals. Thank you.

[@toyplayer2668]

Hello David, I really like your new style of documentary blogging, and would like to compliment you on the way you handle the interview parts, not hogging the camera yourself, & just letting the interviewee get on with delivering their piece to camera. Your background in news reporting has stood you in good stead, and you must have been a loss to your last employer when you left them. I live about twelve miles from Whaley Bridge, in the South of Stockport, and was really worried for the people of that town when the event was happening, and a family friend. who lived about a mile from the dam wall, was jogging early in the town one morning, when the place had been evacuated, and took some phone video footage which was shown on our local BBC News. It was really scary. Thanks again, & I look forward to more of the same type of blogs in the future. Brian P.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@steved8038]

An outstanding piece of film making a worthy award winner.Thank you for explaining what keeps the boats floating!!.

[@timtam6442]

Thank you. That was incredibly interesting and beautifully presented, bit like an old pro!

[@annamariaallegretti4593]

Very high quality documentary, amazing and so fascinating to think about the time period when these canals were built, thank you so much David!!!

[@albertoharistoy4546]

Absolutely spectacular. Thank you David.

[@grooveyman]

Awesome video. Awesome staff at the CRT. What a blessing to many. Thank you David for taking the time to produce this quality video presentation. Much appreciated.

[@barrylaflin8425]

So very impressed with this video David. So informative, obviously so well researched,so professionally produced. So thank you and carry on with the good work !!

[@JoseLara-dg4zk]

The title for this video is BRILLIANT. The video itself is a documentary that clearly and concisely delivers information about a topic that, if you'd told me a year ago I would find interest in, I would have laughed. Thank you, David, for creating such compelling, soothing, and skillfully crafted content. You are a treasure!

[@jeg1972]

Absolutely brilliant David, really informative and exceptionally well produced as usual.

[@garydunn5797]

The system's entire engineering scheme and day-to-day hands-on monitoring and caretaking of the entire canal system is simply astonishing!

[@dragnfli520]

Absolutely excellent expose' on the bigger picture of CRT water management responsibilities! Great video... Cheers

[@afrtsfan]

Excellent video. We've cruised on the Rhein and Danube as well as the Panama canal and I never could grasp how locks really work. This video nailed it. Thanks so much. Fascinating

[@michaelgunter501]

Thank you for the History lesson. I have been very interested in the canal system for a long time and watching your videos have been not only enjoyable, but educational.

[@BdManus]

Great documentary explaining how canals work for the folks in the U.S.

[@davidpratthk]

Yet again, magnificent content. You should be very proud.

[@DrewBritten]

I always appreciate all the production value you put into your videos! So many canal cruising KZbinrs just stare at the camera and talk...boring.

[@davidchristensen6908]

Excellent video. History and future needs educating us how complicated these simple gravity flow canals are really complicated

[@johndoudna7055]

Very professional and informative. Better than most TV reporting… all TV reporting these days. Thank you.

[@gkovacs139]

Now, for me, this vlog is extremely technically interesting on how water management of the canals is achieved and maintained. David, you have excellently managed to vlog this technical aspect water management of the canals, that even on basic terms, for most people should be able to understand how all it all works. Well Done and Absolutely outstanding! Thank you!

[@duncanmacleod7210]

Absolutely top notch. As an engineer I love this kind of content.

[@marlecmarine5393]

Wow ! really the most interesting and informative video about the practical workings and engineering challenges of our canal network, a little gem of a film. lt really made me appreciate and respect incredibly complex work done by the Canals & Rivers Trust. l definitely won't be complaining about their fees when l finish my boat refurbishment and launch it next year. Thank you for a wonderful film, sell it to the BBC for broadcast..... :-)

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Simply amazing (water) engineering. Hand constructed over 100 years ago and still going strong in 2023. 🙂🐿🌈❤️

[@troyw8338]

Very interesting information David, Thank you for putting this great informative video together. We are lucky to have you. Troy

[@OZP1905]

Thank you for a very interesting and infornative video! A piece of Professional journalism- Iknow you are a pro journalust, so Im not surprised ;) Keep your videos coming please, I miss them, I always found them really nice and relaxing for me.

[@Thatsme849]

very nicely produced! thank you very much for putting in all the effort for us

[@charlesdang2557]

Excellent documentary, my friend. Being outside the UK, I did not understand everything that was said. But no matter. It was downright interesting. Keep this up!

[@stecosgrove3779]

I'm gonna say it - these documentary vlogs are up there with your best cruising ones. Brilliant!

[@paulherbst752]

What a well produced and educational vlog! Thank you. I believe I have now watched all of your canal vlogs and I am still struck by the beauty of the English countryside.

[@Dmate89]

Well put together, informative, interesting, as ever. Very well done, David!

[@armoredsaint6639]

Thank you David! Considering the current state of affairs around the world your video’s are a welcomed respite and source of peace for me!…. Cheers from Pismo Beach, California USA

[@zero-lpds]

This mate, was one of the most well put together and enjoyable videos in the history of this channel. Congrats David and keep up the great work.

[@lotsoflavender31]

I didn’t realise just how complex the supply of water to the canals was! Thank you for that brilliant vlog, David.