Loch Ness Water Investment

What We Are Doing

The project we are delivering in Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston involves significant renewal of the drinking water infrastructure that serves both communities.  There are multiple elements of work, many of which are progressing simultaneously:

• A new Raw Water Intake and pumping station near to the old Invermoriston Pier, below the A82 just south of the village
• A new state-of-the-art Water Treatment Works, capable of producing 1 million litres of clear, fresh drinking water each day. The new WTW uses nano-filtration membrane technology and is located in an area of forestry above the A82, a short distance south of Invermoriston
• Around 8 kilometres of new water main connecting Invermoriston and Fort Augustus, largely following the low route of the Great Glen Way
• A new water storage tank on the hillside to the north of Fort Augustus; and new storage capacity at the existing Invermoriston Water Treatment Works 
• A new and more secure water main crossing drilled beneath the River Oich and the Caledonian Canal in Fort Augustus 
• Two booster pumping stations and a renewed water main to continue serving customers on the B862 south of Fort Augustus

The new Water Treatment Works will use a different treatment process called chloramination. Further details about chloramination are available below.

 

Why We Are Doing This  

The investment we are making will provide a single, improved drinking water supply to serve around 1,250 customers in Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston for many years to come. The use of a high quality and plentiful supply of raw water from Loch Ness will help us to cater to significant seasonal demand in the area from tourism on a sustainable basis.

Winter 2021/22 Update 

The most significant construction work has now been completed. Following issues identified during the commissioning of the new Water Treatment Works in 2021, a process is underway to investigate and make any required refinements before the plant enters service. Once the new WTW starts to supply most customers, final work will take place to to replace the water main that serves the B862; and commission the booster pumping stations that have been installed.

Chloramination

Chloramination has been used in the water industry throughout the UK for many years as a reliable and effective way to treat water to ensure it is safe to drink.

The chloramination process lasts longer in the pipe distribution system than using chlorine on its own, so there is no need to add further chlorine along the network of pipes, meaning levels of chlorine in the water are reduced. Unlike chlorine, chloramination also has the benefit of having no significant taste or odour. Chloraminated water is safe for bathing, drinking, cooking and all uses we have for water every day.

Customers in Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston will have received notification by postcard informing them of the upcoming changes to their water. 

Owners of fish, aquatic reptiles and amphibians

Owners of fish, aquatic reptiles and amphibians will need to ensure their tank is fitted with the correct type of filtration equipment. Your local veterinary surgery, pet store or specialist online aquatic pet supplier can provide further advice about equipment suited to your pet.

The change in the treatment process is expected to take place during Summer 2021. 

Please see the links below for more information on Chloramination:

• Chloramination Explained Video
• Chloramination Explained Leaflet
• Chloramination - advice for fish or aquatic pet owners

Engaging with the local community

A series of information events took place in 2018 to share details of our planned work with residents in Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston, answer questions and receive feedback - including an event specifically to discuss the management of work affecting the low route of the Great Glen Way. The information posters from the original information events are available to download below. 

We are also regularly in touch with Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Commmunity Council to keep members informed of the project's progress and discuss any issues.

If you need to get in touch to raise a query about the project please email help@scottishwater.co.uk or call 0800 077 8778, quoting the reference Capital/403127/LochNess.