On completion of the leat it was obvious that little heed had been paid to the original clauses as the leat did not flow to the naval victualling yard at Lambhay until 1645; it was of no use for fire fighting as it avoided the built up areas of the city; it never went near Sutton Harbour, entering the sea at Millbay instead; and finally no arrangements for supplying irrigation were ever made with the taking of water from the leat being made illegal.
Upon completion of the leat, it became evident that little attention had been paid to the original clauses as the leat did not reach the naval victualling yard at Lambhay until 1645; it was ineffective for firefighting as it avoided populated areas of the city; it never ventured near Sutton Harbour, entering the sea at Millbay instead; and finally, no provisions were made for water supply irrigation, with the taking of water from the leat being prohibited.