£5.5m water project 'remains on track'
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MULTI-million pound efforts to improve water supplies in Ross-shire have been welcomed by a local MP.
Jamie Stone visited a Scottish Water site near Evanton this week to view progress on a £5.5 million project to improve security of the water supply for customers across much of Easter Ross and beyond.
Work at the site has been underway since February this year and is expected to be complete in early 2019.
A new tank is being built with a capacity to store up to eight million litres of drinking water, improving security of supply for around 30,000 customers across Easter Ross, Dingwall and the Black Isle.
The work is being carried out by Scottish Water alliance partner ESD, in partnership with contractor Coffey Construction.
After seeing the work in progress and receiving an update on Scottish Water’s current work across his Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross constituency, Mr Stone said: "The long period of dry weather this summer is a reminder that, even in the Highlands, water is a precious resource that we all rely on in countless ways.
"The work currently taking place will help to improve the security of water supply for Easter Ross in the event of any future issues at the water treatment works; or disruption to the local water network.
"At the same time, it is good to hear of the work Scottish Water’s operational teams are currently carrying out across the north to maintain supplies and protect the local environment.
"Despite some recent rainfall, it is still important that we use water wisely to help lochs and reservoirs recover so that supplies can be maintained through the rest of the summer and beyond," he added.
ESD project manager Kevin Williamson said the works remained on track for completion next year.
He said: "The work we are delivering reflects a significant investment for one of the key water supply areas in the Highlands, which serves communities right around the Cromarty Firth.
"Work on site is going well and we anticipate it will be complete early next year.
"Once in place, the new storage tank will give Scottish Water improved ability to carry out important maintenance work at the water treatment works, and deal with any short term issues affecting the local water network, without impact on customers’ water supply."
Meanwhile, Scottish Water has urged customers to do what they can to conserve water amidst this year’s very dry summer.
Its strategic customer service planning team Leader for the north, Jim Briggs, said: "Separately from this longer term investment, we are continuing work in consultation with Sepa to manage water resources across the north following the prolonged period of dry weather.
"Despite some rainfall in many areas over the past week, our frontline teams are continuing to work hard to ensure we can maintain supplies to all of our customers.
"We continue to need customers to help us by using water wisely, for example by using a watering can instead of a hose in the garden; and only using dishwashers and washing machines when fully loaded.
"The support of thousands of customers with these small and simple steps can make a big difference to maintaining water supplies for everyone; and allowing water resources to recover when rainfall occurs."
He added that the Evanton project will help to provide "clear, fresh-tasting drinking water to our customers in a wide range of circumstances".
