Scottish Water Putting Killin Customers at Centre of Contamination Clean Up

Scottish Water is pouring resources into the operation to support the Perthshire community in Killin following a suspected fuel spill in the River Dochart yesterday (Friday 20 February).

Teams have been working around the clock since the alarm was raised and the local water treatment works was shut down as a precautionary measure.

Water Operations General Manager John Griffen said: “Our priority is to protect public health by making sure no contaminated water enters the supply network.

“We are doing everything we can to support customers who have been affected by providing reliable alternative supplies while the normal supply is unavailable.

“That includes specialist staff who can provide advice to households and businesses on an individual level. Volunteers are also being mobilised to help with bottled water.

“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.”

Customers are still being told not to use their tap water for any purpose other than flushing toilets.

This includes drinking, cooking, washing, brushing teeth, feeding pets and the use of appliances such as coffee and ice machines that are connected to the mains supply. Boiling the water will not make it safe to drink.

Scottish Water is working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and NHS partners to monitor water quality and assess the network.

John Griffen added: “We are actively tankering water into the local network to flush the pipe system and to allow customers to flush their toilets.

“This will also ensure that when the network can brought back into normal operation, it does so safely and with the highest levels of water quality assurance.

“At the treatment works, specialist engineers are carrying out detailed checks and cleaning of equipment, replacing any components affected and preparing the site for a return to service as soon as it is safe.

“We would like to thank everyone who has been affected for their patience, cooperation and community spirit.

“Restoring safe, normal water supplies for the village is our absolute priority, and our teams will remain on site until that is achieved.”