Scottish Water agrees to project to improve water quality in Ayrshire

Scottish Water has signed a deal for a storm management project to improve the water quality for people in north and east Ayrshire.

The firm has awarded a £31 million contract to engineering firm Black & Veatch in a joint venture with Morrison Construction in an attempt to boost the standard of surface water for 80,000 residents.

President and chief executive officer of Black & Veatch's global water business Dan McCarthy said: "Black & Veatch is a leader in developing sustainable solutions for storm water management challenges in communities worldwide, improving the quality of local waterways and the surrounding environment."

He went on to say that the firm applies advanced technologies and processes to all its projects.

It is believed that the first phase of the initiative will be completed by January 2013 and will take place between Gatehead and Irvine.

The water quality that Scottish Water produces has come into question recently after residents in Kilmarnock noticed their drinking supplies had become coloured.

However, the water giant confirmed that the discolouration does not mean a drop in standards, saying it is not a health issue.

Posted by Joseph Hutton