Study on access to water and sanitation for canal boaters

Researchers at Leeds and Newcastle Universities are carrying out a study of boaters’ access to water and sanitation. They are looking for liveaboard boaters to take part in the research. They say:

“This research project will be investigating access to water services on canals in England. The researchers are interested in the interactions canal boaters have with water in daily life. This includes collecting information about water points, water use and storage on board, and the impacts of water on the wider lives of canal boaters. This research aims to develop the concept of water insecurity in the UK, by exploring the experiences of canal boaters and other partially off-grid groups…. The issue of water insecurity on waterways in England and Wales is part of a bigger story of inequality in access to clean drinking water and safe sanitation services around the world. We invite you to contribute to sharing the story of boaters’ unique circumstances, as part of this wider story”. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Dr Helen Underhill, helen.underhill@ncl.ac.uk Helen has been a liveaboard boater for the past six years in London, and on the Grand Union, Kennet and Avon, and River Thames.