Worries raised over drainage network
MSP asks if city sewage system is fit for purpose
Concerns have been raised about the drain infrastructure in Perth.
The city was hit by more than a month’s rainfall in a day in August, with Scottish Water saying the level and intensity of the rain was “well in excess of what our sewer network is designed to accommodate.”
The Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Murdo Fraser has written to the chief executive of Scottish Water about the issue.
Several parts of Perth were badly hit by the deluge of rain which came with the area’s worst thunderstorm in living memory, which hit on August 11/12.
Around 150 homes across the region were damaged by flooding beyond floor level and several Perth residents had to be moved into temporary accommodation.
Mr Fraser said there were fears the Fair City’s drains are “not fit for purpose to deal with the increasingly severe weather patterns.”
He added: “The problem is that the drains can’t cope with the volume of water and then some drains collapse which contributes to flooding.
“Flooding was particularly bad in North Muirton and at the North and South Inch areas of Perth, with residents understandably concerned about the situation. I therefore decided to write to the CEO of Scottish Water to ask if they are satisfied with the quality of the drain infrastructure in Perth and to also ask if they feel if it is fit for purpose.
“In addition, I asked Scottish Water if the drain infrastructure is maintained regularly and how often it is inspected.”
Conservative Perth City Centre councillor Chris Ahern said it was “obvious” from the flooding problems that Perth’s drainage system is “not up to the task of clearing the water that we are getting from frequent bad weather.”
He added: “With the increase in more severe weather patterns the problems are only get to get worse. It does not help that drains are not checked and maintained on a regular basis.
“I understand the process of checking the drains would be an expense, but this is nothing compared to the expense to families and the insurance industry, which is eventually passed on to all of us.”
A spokesperson for Scottish Water told the PA: “We continue to work hard to maintain our sewer network to ensure it operates as it should.
“This work includes clearing around 35,000 sewer blockages and carrying out around 3500 sewer repairs every year across the country.
“From changing climate patterns we are seeing a pattern of more frequent very intense, short duration storm events which put the urban drainage systems under significant pressure, with the unfortunate consequence of flooding occurring that is beyond Scottish Water’s control.
“We will continue to support local authorities to develop their Flood Risk Management Plans for the management and reduction of flood risk from all sources including surface water flooding from intense rainfall events.”
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: “The council regularly cleans out carriageway gullies that collect the water from the road and arranges special visits by gully tankers to respond to sudden blockages.
“In general, gullies on A class roads are cleaned out twice per year; those on other roads are cleaned out at least once every two years.
“Road drainage problems are identified by the regular inspections of the network, by calls to Clarence, or as a result of reports from the public; and appropriate action is taken to deal with the problems that are identified.
“For enquiries, or to report a problem with a gully (e.g. blockages), contact Clarence by telephone on 01738 476476 or 01738 475000.
“The council will review what worked well and what requires improving from last week’s flood situation. Once the review is completed, we will look at how best we engage with local residents and other stakeholders.”
It does not help that drains are not checked and maintained on a regular basis