How Does the Canal Work?
It all works on gravity. Water flows downhill from the higher elevation of Lake Erie down to Lake Ontario. The water runs through the main shipping channel, as well as spillways located along side. There are large valves located within each lock. When opened, these allow water to flow through tunnels in the walls and into, or out of, the lock. Water enters from the ‘reach’ above each lock and the ‘pondage’ area which serves as a reservoir. When emptied into the’reach’ below, the water flows on to the next lock, to be used again.
