The river was crossed by the now-derelict North Wilts Canal a few hundred yards south of Cricklade.

In December 2000, as part of regeneration of the canal, rescue work was started on the River Key Aqueduct.

[2] The river was also crossed by a bridge of the Midland & South Western Junction Railway.

The Environment Agency measures the water quality of the river systems in England.

There are several components that are used to determine this, including biological status, which looks at the quantity and varieties of invertebrates, angiosperms and fish.