Work to improve River Irvine water quality begins

Scottish Water has launched a £31 million scheme to improve the water quality of the River Irvine in Ayrshire.

The environmental project will involve the creation of a new storm water network between Irvine and the Meadowhead treatment works, with 12 miles of large pipelines and three new pumping stations created.

According to the Irvine Herald, it is hoped that the initiative will lead to better bathing water in Irvine Bay and help to boost tourism in the area.

Rob Mustard, general manager of Scottish Water's waste operations, said the authority takes its environmental duties "very seriously".

He added: "Since 2002, we have invested £4.2 billion in Scotland's water and waste water provision."

As part of the project, a storage tank with a capacity of 12,000 cubic metres will be installed to hold waste water in storm condition before it is pumped out to sea.

The River Irvine rises near Drumclog in Lanarkshire and flows for 29.5 miles westward until it reaches the sea at the Firth of Clyde.

Posted by Claire Manning