INVESTMENT IN THE PIPELINE FOR AUCKENGILL

16th August 2007

Scottish Water's record-breaking programme of replacing old water mains is about to benefit the small Caithness community of Auckengill.

3.5 kilometres of cement pipes thought to date from the 50s is to be replaced with new pipes made from tough plastic in an investment worth £190,000. Since 2002 over 300 miles of water mains has been renewed across the Highlands.

Project manager Jim Rafferty said: "Customers in the area have experienced a number of interruptions to their supplies in recent months, making them a priority for new pipes. Forty properties will directly benefit. The new mains will serve them well for many years to come."

SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENT

The work is due to get underway in the coming days and is expected to be finished by the end of November. Scottish Water Contracting will be carrying out the work.

The area is important for crofting and wildlife. Local crofters have been consulted, as has the RSPB. The work has been scheduled to take place outwith the breeding season. Auckengill is adjacent to the Caithness Lochs Ramsar site, an internationally important area for wading birds, whooper swans and greylag geese.

Installing the new water mains will require some digging but local roads will remain open.

INVESTING IN HIGHLAND
Over the coming three years Scottish Water expects to invest at least £154million in the Highland Council area to maintain already high drinking water quality and sewage treatment, lay new pipelines and increase capacities to enable the growth of communities.