Sewage alert after footpath is flooded
Fears over contamination
Perth and Kinross residents have been told to be on their guard after a flood alert was issued for the region.
Snow melt from last week’s ‘Beast from the East’ is putting areas across the county at greater risk.
The warning from SEPA comes as fears were raised that a sewer had flooded close to a Perth primary school this week.
The footpath between Glenearn Road and the South Inch has been saturated in sewage water after the Craigie Burn burst its banks and seeped into the sewage drains.
Now, one resident wants to make sure locals are aware that the flood water is actually contaminated with sewage.
Janice Haig, who lives near the footpath, said: “I have seen parents wade their kids from Inch View school through it, but it is contaminated water, not just flood water. I moved here six years ago and it has been an ongoing problem, often the tunnels need to be disinfected.
“The main thing is people don’t realise it is sewage water. It is a brick built drain as well so sometimes if it is overflowing enough, the top will come off and then there is a hole in the water too. People still walk through it and don’t know what is underneath.”
Ms Haig said she wants people to remain vigilant as the area will still be contaminated by the sewage even after the flood water
The road between Auchterarder and Aberuthven was saturated has receded.
She continued: “It is contaminated water so once it goes down you get toilet roll and tampons and other things left in the tunnels. Dogs can go in it then lick their paws, and it can get on buggy wheels which then can go on carpets.
“There is a risk of Lyme’s disease from this water from the burn.”
Scottish Water claimed the water was not from the sewer, but a spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council disagreed.
They said: “Both the Craigie Burn and the sewer in the area overflowed due to high rainfall.
“Staff from our Environment Service arranged for the closure of the flood gate to prevent any further ingress of water from the burn. Any clean-up work as a result of the sewer overflowing would be a matter for Scottish Water.”
A spokesperson for Scottish Water said: “We will continue to work closely with Perth and Kinross Council and, if there is any evidence of sewage contamination as the water recedes, a clean-up of the affected area will be carried out.”
Warning people to be aware of flooding, Marc Becker, SEPA’s duty flooding manager, said: “As always, we continue to work closely with our partners in the Met Office, the Scottish flood forecasting service and local authorities to ensure they have the latest updates and would encourage members of the public to remain vigilant, especially in isolated, low lying agricultural areas susceptible to flooding.”
The flood water seeped into the sewers Craigie Burn spilled out onto the footpath
Parents are being urged to avoid the contaminated water
Once the water goes down you get toilet roll and tampons and other things in the tunnels