How Canal Locks Work
Illustration 1

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Illustration: Canal Boat Entering Lock

1. The boat approaches the lock from the lower, downstream level of the canal. Small wickets, or butterfly valves, are opened in the lower gates to let the water out of the lock. When the water level in the lock reaches the lower, downstream level of the canal, the lower gates are opened and the boat enters the lock.

Illustration 2 

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Last Updated: Wednesday, 22-Dec-2004 09:50:49 Eastern Standard Time
http://www.nps.gov /archive/cuva/visitonline/towpathtour/howlockswork/HRLockD1.htm
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