Today's News | Sport | Features | Email Contacts | Letters | The Tele | D C Thomson | Annuals | Subscriptions | Old Dundee

Headlines
Sport Stories
Get the Tele from...

11 June 2004
‘No worries’ over Dundee water
Water chiefs have cut the flow of water being taken from an Angus reservoir for Dundee consumption after the appearance of blue green algae, writes Graham Brown.
Due to the recent spell of warm weather, Scottish Water has detected an increased level of blue green algal bloom at Lintrathen Loch, north of Kirriemuir.

Such blooms are a regular occurrence during summer months, but the current levels are higher than usually detected.

As a precautionary measure the company has decided to reduce the amount of water being drawn from Lintrathen for Dundee’s public water supply.

Additional water is instead being taken from the Backwater reservoir, around five miles from Lintrathen.

“We can reassure customers that their water supply remains safe to drink,” said Scottish Water area manager Ken Hutchison.

“This naturally occurring algae is treated effectively by our treatment works.

“As the warmer weather has caused increased algae levels at Lintrathen Loch, we have reduced the amount of water we abstract from this source for water supply purposes.

“We have erected warning signs and advise that all adults, children and animals avoid all contact with water in the loch,” added Mr Hutchison. “If customers have any queries, they can contact our customer helpline on 0845 601 8855.

Dundee City Council and Angus environmental health departments and the local health boards have also been advised of the situation as part of the routine reporting process.