Water Disruption in Perthshire May Last 'Several Days' After River Diesel Spillage

United Kingdom - Ekhbary News Agency

Water Disruption in Perthshire May Last 'Several Days' After River Diesel Spillage

Residents of the Scottish village of Killin in Perthshire are bracing for potentially lengthy disruptions to their essential water supplies, with authorities indicating the situation could persist for "several days." The disruption stems from a substantial diesel spillage that has contaminated the River Dochart, a vital water source for the local community. In response to the incident, Scottish Water has taken the critical step of shutting down the local water treatment works as a precautionary measure to safeguard public health, leading to an immediate reliance on emergency water provisions.

Bottled water deliveries commenced for the second consecutive day to the affected residents of Killin, underscoring the severity of the situation and the ongoing challenges in restoring normal service. Local authorities have issued strict advisories, urging inhabitants not to use tap water for any purpose other than flushing toilets. This directive highlights the potential contamination of the water and the risks associated with its use for drinking, cooking, bathing, or personal hygiene, including brushing teeth. The prohibition also extends to the use of appliances connected to the mains supply, such as coffee machines and ice makers, which could further distribute the contaminated water.

The incident, which has caused considerable alarm and inconvenience, is reportedly linked to an attempted fuel theft at a local petrol station. The attempt to steal diesel fuel resulted in damage to a fuel tank, leading to the environmental contamination of the River Dochart. Residents first became aware of the problem when they noticed a strong, solvent-like taste in their tap water and detected a similar odour in the air. This prompted swift action from Scottish Water and environmental agencies.

First Minister John Swinney acknowledged the public's concern, stating that there was "understandable concern" in Highland Perthshire regarding the implications of the diesel spillage. John Griffin, Scottish Water's Water Operations General Manager, reiterated the company's primary commitment: "Our priority is to protect public health by making sure no contaminated water enters the supply network." He elaborated on the ongoing efforts, noting that specialist staff are providing tailored advice to individual households and businesses. Furthermore, a mobilisation of volunteers has been initiated to assist with the distribution of bottled water, a crucial lifeline for the community during this period.

Mr. Griffin candidly addressed the timeline for resolution, stating, "We are working incredibly hard to restore the treatment works and network to normal operations as quickly and safely as possible although this may take several days." He stressed that boiling the contaminated water would not render it safe for consumption, reinforcing the importance of adhering to the official guidance. Scottish Water is collaborating closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) and NHS partners to rigorously monitor water quality and assess the integrity of the entire network. Efforts are also underway to flush the pipe system by introducing fresh water into the local network, aiming to clear any residual contaminants.

The company has expressed gratitude for the community's resilience, with Griffin adding, "We would like to thank everyone who has been affected for their patience, cooperation and community spirit." He affirmed that restoring safe and normal water supplies is the "absolute priority," and that teams will remain on-site until the objective is achieved. The logistical challenge of supplying a village with bottled water is significant, with door-to-door deliveries conducted on Friday and scheduled to be repeated on Saturday to ensure all affected properties are reached.

In a further measure to support residents, a hot food van has been deployed in Killin. This initiative aims to assist those who are unable to prepare meals at home due to the lack of safe tap water. The incident has cast a spotlight on the vulnerabilities of local infrastructure and the potential consequences of criminal activity on essential services. A spokesperson for Certas Energy, the operator of the GULF Lix Toll site where the incident occurred, confirmed they were informed of a "fuel loss" on Friday morning following an "attempted theft which damaged one of our fuel tanks."

The spokesperson stated that evidence found at the site indicated an attempt to steal diesel. "We are as concerned as everyone else," they added, emphasizing that addressing the impact of the incident is their "priority." Investigations are actively underway, involving collaboration with police, Sepa, the Health and Safety Executive, and other specialists to ascertain the full details of how the fuel entered the river and whether the leak has been contained. Sepa confirmed receiving multiple reports of river contamination on Thursday evening and overnight, validating the timeline of the incident.

Killin Community Council has also played an active role, posting advisories on its Facebook page, echoing the warnings against drinking tap water and informing residents about the impending arrival of water tankers for temporary supply. The council described the event as a "major contamination incident." Scottish Water has provided specific postcode information for the affected areas, assuring residents in other postcodes that their water supplies remain unaffected. Comprehensive information and customer support are available via the Scottish Water website and a dedicated helpline, with a physical information point established at McLaren Hall in Killin.

Ekhbary News Agency