Balgreen

page banner saying Draining the Rain which denotes this is an Improving Urban Waters project

Project Overview

We are upgrading a storm overflow in Balgreen to help prevent sewer related debris entering the Water of Leith and to improve the quality of this important urban watercourse.

This investment forms part of our £500 million Improving Urban Waters programme, which is focused on reducing the environmental impact of storm overflows in towns and cities across Scotland.

Works commenced in September 2025 and are expected to be completed by March 2026.

At a Glance

Upgrading the sewer network
Improving water quality
Delivered by Caledonian Water Alliance
Anticipated completion March 2026

Walkway fenced off in Balgreen for safety reasons

Footpath Closure

A short footpath closure is in place on the Water of Leith walkway, to enable these upgrade works to be carried out safely.

What We Are Doing

Located beside Pansy Walk and near Balgreen Primary School, a core footpath closure is in place on the Water of Leith walkway between the junction of Baird Drive at the railway tunnel and the footbridge linking Pansy Walk with Westfield Avenue.

The project is being delivered in two phases:

Phase 1 (complete): Diversion of a gas main and installation of new outfall pipework.
Phase 2 (underway expected completion March 2026): Construction of a screened overflow chamber, decommissioning of the old outfall, and creation of a maintenance layby.

Once complete, the upgrade will reduce pollution, improve water quality, and enhance the amenity of this popular riverside route.

A view from above

The project will help prevent sewer related debris such as wet wipes from entering the watercourse.

Why We Are Doing It

In collaboration with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Water has identified priority storm overflows across Scotland that require improvement to protect water quality and reduce aesthetic impacts caused by sewer-related debris.

Under our ‘Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment’ approach, we are investing in targeted infrastructure upgrades that reduce the impact of heavy rainfall on urban watercourses.

This Balgreen project is one of those priority improvements and will deliver long-term environmental benefits for the Water of Leith and the surrounding community.

Balgreen Tunnel

Scottish Water has supported the Balgreen Tunnel Community Artwork Project, helping transform the pedestrian walkway into a vibrant mural celebrating local wildlife. The artwork, created by artists Calum Carr and Dallas Henderson Smith, was inspired by ideas from local schoolchildren and the wildlife found in nearby Saughton Park.

Now filled with colourful images of birds, bees, butterflies, otters and other native species, the tunnel has become a brighter, more welcoming space for the community. The project has given local people something to be proud of and created a positive environment for children, families and visitors to enjoy.