Major drinking water contamination in Killin caused by 'botched' fuel robbery

A “major contamination incident” that has left hundreds of people unable to drink their tap water was caused by a “botched” fuel robbery.

Residents in Killin have been told not to drink the water after oil was spilt into the nearby River Dochart, which runs into Loch Tay, on Thursday evening.

Scottish Water said that over 500 domestic and business properties could be affected.

The oil spill in the River Dochart. Rob Jamieson

The utility company said its specialist incident management team went to the River Dochart, where the local treatment works draws water from, and closed the intake.

Samples are being taken from the water network.

Certas Energy, which operates the Gulf Lix Toll site near the village, confirmed that the major incident was caused by a botched diesel robbery at the temporarily closed petrol station.

The attempted theft caused damage to a fuel tank, resulting in a loss of diesel, which leaked into the nearby river.

A spokesperson for Certas Energy said: “Certas Energy, operator of the Gulf Lix Toll site at Killin, is as concerned as everyone else at the impact of this incident on the local community and the local environment. This is our priority.

“We were informed of a fuel loss at the site on Friday morning following an attempted robbery which damaged one of our fuel tanks. Equipment was found on site that suggested there was an attempt to steal diesel from the tank.

“We are now investigating to fully understand what happened, are engaging with the police, SEPA, the Health and Safety Executive and other specialists at the site. These investigations are ongoing.”

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Police Scotland has been contacted for comment regarding the ongoing investigation.

Killin Community Council shared an update from the village’s resilience team working with Scottish Water. Residents have been advised not to drink tap water until further notice.

“This is a major contamination incident,” a statement from the community council read.

“The water supply to Killin has now been shut down while the system is being cleaned and flushed.

“Water tankers will be brought into the village to provide a temporary supply.

“Please share this information with neighbours and anyone without access to social media, and check in on anyone who may need assistance. Further updates will follow as soon as they are available.”

Scottish Water’s head of customer water services, John Griffen, said: “We appreciate the inconvenience this advice not to use water will bring to people and businesses in the affected areas, but at all times our priority has to be the protection of public health.

“The incident management team is continuing to monitor the situation, liaising with NHS and SEPA. We will update customers regularly however we do anticipate this disruption to last several days, and thank customers for their patience and understanding while we work to restore their supply.”

Highlands & Islands

‘Don’t drink tap water’ after oil spills into river

Residents in Killin have been told they should not drink tap water

A spokesperson for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said: “SEPA received several reports of oil within the River Dochart, near Killin, on Thursday evening and overnight.

“Officers are on site this morning (Friday, February 20) to identify the source and investigations are ongoing.

“We would like to thank those who reported the incident to SEPA and encourage anyone who witnesses a pollution incident to contact us immediately on 0800 80 70 60 or by submitting an online report with as much information as possible.”

An information point for customer support is being located at McLaren Hall, Main Street, Killin, FK21 8TN.

Bottled water collection points are being set-up and locations will be confirmed shortly, and Scottish Water also confirmed that door-to-door bottled water deliveries will commence this afternoon for all affected customers.