Power - the sluices are opened

Twice a month the Harbour is sluiced to remove sediment, especially from around the bridges and canal. The inner lock gates to the Cumberland Basin are closed then this holding basin is emptied as the tide goes out and the main lock (outer) gates are opened on free flow. When the tide is at its lowest the slices beside the inner lock are opened and a huge rush of muddy water flows through the empty basin for a while, then the outer lock gates are closed and the Basin fills up. The water level in the Harbour goes down 1.5 to 2 feet and visiting boat owners have to learn to keep their ropes adjusted to allow for this drop if they are not to be found hanging from the Harbour walls! See the map.

This is part of my one street series and this lock is between the Pump House and the Dock Cottages