Scottish Water has announced the biggest investment in the Greater Glasgow area’s wastewater network in more than a century. The publicly-owned company is starting a £250 million, five-year programme of work which will continue to improve river water quality and the natural environment of the River Clyde.
It will also enable the Greater Glasgow area to continue to grow and develop, alleviate sewer flooding and deal with the effects of increased rainfall and climate change.
The £250 million investment, which will support about 500 jobs and up to 50 new apprentices, is the first stage of a planned programme to upgrade Greater Glasgow’s wastewater infrastructure and further significant investment is being identified which could see a total of £0.5 billion being invested.
Scottish Water’s investment will transform an ageing network into a modern, integrated and sustainable drainage system fit for the needs of 21st century Glasgow. The £250 million investment includes upgrades to around 200 Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO’s), or outfall pipes – safety valves used to control waste water during heavy rainfall – on the River Clyde and tributaries such as the River Kelvin and White Cart Water at a cost of about £105 million.
Wastewater improvements in the south west of Glasgow to remove excess surface water from areas with known ‘pinchpoints’ which cause restrictions in the system will cost a further £100 million.
A number of key projects to tackle flooding in parts of the city will cost around £45 million.