The annual clearing and maintenance of the River Hiz in Hitchin is set to begin this Friday (16 January), with sections of the river temporarily drained to allow essential work to take place.

Water levels will be lowered from Friday 16 January, with the river expected to be refilled from Friday 23 January 2026 once the works are complete.

The stretch of the River Hiz that runs through Hitchin operates using a balancing tank system. This relies on sluice gates to help retain and regulate water levels through the town. Over time, however, silt and sludge build up within the tanks, which can restrict the flow of water.

To address this, the river is drained once a year so maintenance teams can remove accumulated silt and clear any general waste from the area, ensuring the system continues to operate effectively.

As well as improving water flow, the annual clear-out helps to create a more visually appealing river through the town centre and supports a healthier habitat for local wildlife.

Residents may notice lower water levels and maintenance activity along the river over the coming week, but normal conditions are expected to return once the river is refilled later in January.