The Cut-off Channel was designed by Sir MacDonald & Partners to take flood water northwards, but its flat slope makes it possible also to convey water southwards from the Ouse at Denver as far as Hockwold. From there it is conveyed by tunnel and pipeline constructed 1978, to the head of the Essex river system. Therefore the water usually in the cut-off channel at Hockwold is Ely water destined for Essex.