The water levels in the River Gipping have been lowered temporarily this week for the Environment Agency to carry out flood defence inspections.
Contractors opened the gate at Bramford Lock on Monday, which lowered the water further upstream from Rushbrook Mill to Bramford Lock.
The Environment Agency are spending today and Wednesday carrying out the survey, before water levels will be restored on Thursday.
The inspection will help officers determine the remaining lifespan of the gate and plan for any renovations that are needed.
Project manager Rebecca Bromley said: “This work allows us to inspect the flood defences, and to keep them in the best possible condition to continue to protect people, property and the local environment from flooding.
“Our fisheries team will be on hand to monitor the water level and to ensure no harm is caused to fish stocks in the river.”
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