Fears raised over leaks
CONCERNS have been raised over the number of sewage leaks into waterways.
Figures obtained using freedom of information laws show 139 complaints concerning leaks in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area were made to Scotland’s environmental regulator between July 2022 and September 2023.
These were among more than 2,000 complaints made to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) about sewage in rivers, lochs and seas since 2019.
The statistics were obtained by the Scottish Liberal Democrats, who believe the true scale of sewage leaks may be underestimated, as just four per cent of the 3,614 overflows in the country’s 31,000mile network are monitored.
Alex Cole-Hamilton, party leader, said: “Only a fraction of the network is currently monitored but public complaints can give us a more complete picture of how widespread this problem is.
“While our rivers, lochs and coastlines are destroyed, customers are facing bumper price rises from the government-owned water giant.
“To turn the tide on this scandal, Scottish Liberal Democrats have published plans for a Clean
Water Act that would see vital upgrades to our sewage network and a clampdown on discharges.”
Scottish Water said it recognises that what can be released intermittently into waterways causes concern.
A spokesman added: “Around 99 per cent of overflows is rain water, surface water, road runoff, grey water, infiltration of groundwater and trade effluent. The system is designed to operate in a way that prevents blockages and flooding of homes, businesses and communities.”
Nathan Critchlow-Watton, of SEPA, said the regulatory body is focused on protecting and improving waterways.
He added: “Combined Sewer Overflows are an integral part of Scotland’s sewerage system, designed to discharge at times of high rainfall to prevent sewage backing up and flooding houses.
“SEPA regulate discharges to the water environment, including discharges from CSOs, and assess sewer network licences on a rolling basis, with particular focus on those which have unsatisfactory compliance, as these can discharge sewage litter and impact on people’s enjoyment of the environment.
“We’re clear in our regulatory role in ensuring Scottish Water delivers against the Urban Waters Route Map, prioritising investment where it will have the most benefit for the environment and communities.
“Scottish Water have committed to installing monitors on every CSO discharging to an amenity water by the end of 2024, with near real-time monitoring published for all these monitored CSOs by the end of 2024. SEPA will ensure this commitment is delivered.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “SEPA assess 87 per cent of water bodies in Scotland as having ‘high’ or ‘good’ water quality – up from 82 per cent six years ago.
“This means our rivers and coastal waters are overall in good ecological condition but we are not complacent and continue to work closely with SEPA and Scottish Water to monitor and improve water quality.”