MORE than 1000 new sewage monitors have been installed across Scotland after concerns were raised about the operation of storm overflows by an environment watchdog.
Earlier this year Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) found that steps must be taken to improve the operation, monitoring and the regulatory guidance of storm overflow drains in the country.
Storm overflows are part of the sewerage system and are designed to reduce the risk of sewers flooding homes and businesses. Spills from storm overflows can pose a risk to the environment and to human health.
A report for ESS said that the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Meadowhead treatment works in North Ayrshire spilled waste water 365 times on 124 different days last year.
Almost half (49%) of 142 storm overflows spilled more than 50 times over the course of 2023, and 32% spilled more than 100 times.
However, the report found there is no comprehensive publicly available information on the scale and environmental impact from spills from storm overflows in Scotland.
Scottish Water has now confirmed more than 1000 new sewer monitors have been installed across the waste water system as part of a £500m programme of investment to transform its network.
Bosses added that a 15-strong team is also now in place nationwide to take information from the monitors and work to proactively prevent flooding and pollution incidents which can be caused by blockages in the sewer network.
There are plans for a further 700 monitors to be installed by the end of next year.
Professor Simon Parsons, Scottish Water’s director of environment, planning and assurance, said. “The installation of the new monitors is a key milestone for Scottish Water as we continue to invest in massive improvements to our waste water infrastructure that help improve Scotland’s water environment.
“When our new service, the online map linked to monitors, is launched it will enable our customers to be better informed and understand where and when sewer system overflows are occurring. We are delighted to be delivering on both of these.”
The installation of the new monitors comes ahead of Scottish Water’s first online overflow map being launched showing near real-time data from the monitors. Bosses say this will go live “shortly”.
The interactive map will provide information on when an overflow is operating and where recent activity has occurred, using data gathered by the monitors.
In 2021 Scottish Water committed to installing new monitors on its overflows as part of its Improving Urban Waters Routemap.
Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin said: “I’m delighted Scottish Water has delivered on its Improving Urban Waters Routemap commitment to install 1000 new overflow monitors by the end of this year.
“Our waterways are in good condition. Sepa classifies 86.5% of our water environment as high or good quality.
“This is up from 82% in 2014 and the sustained investment made by Scottish Water across the period 2015-21, has been a key driver of the improvement.
“This built on the significant investment delivered in relation to the treatment of wastewater since Scottish Water’s formation in 2002.
“However, we are not complacent and want to see this improve further.”
