Water quality in Scotland 'is improving'

The water quality in Scotland is getting better, an expert has stated.

Dr Andy Vinten, a principal researcher in catchment management and water quality from land use research organisation Macaulay, said investment in sewage treatment processes in the country has helped improve the standard of waterways.

In addition to this, he noted that money put into livestock management in an attempt to prevent waste entering water systems has boosted its quality.

Dr Vinten emphasised the importance of understanding waterborne transport and faecal bacteria, adding: "Our ongoing monitoring of ground and surface water is providing detailed information across a range of water quality issues and work is continuing to evaluate the effects of measures to reduce contamination."

The expert's comments come as part of research conducted by Macaulay, along with the Scottish Agricultural College, the Centre for Environmental Health, University of Aberystwyth, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the University of Edinburgh, in assessing the measures used to reduce risk of pollutant emissions to human health.

This follows the news that water quality in the UK is improving, according to research conducted by the Environment Agency.

Posted by Lauren Steadman