No clean drinking water for second day after river fuel spill in Killin

Residents in a village in Stirlingshire are without clean drinking water for a second day after diesel spilled into a nearby river.

Scottish Water says it is “working incredibly hard” to restore normal supply to residents in Killin, as hundreds of water bottles were handed out.

Residents 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.

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.

Around 500 households and businesses around Killin have been told not to use their tap water for drinking, food preparation, brushing teeth or washing until further notice – and to only use it for flushing toilets.

Residents in Killin have been told not to drink the water Scottish Water

Clean-up attempts at Killin after a fuel spill into the River Dochart Scottish Water

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.”

Residents in Killin have been told not to drink the water after oil was spilt Rob Jamieson

Residents have been warned the situation may persist for several days.

On Saturday, Scottish Water said it was attempting to clean the contamination from the water system.

Water operations general manager John Griffen said: “Our priority is to protect public health by making sure no contaminated water enters the supply network.

“We are doing everything we can to support customers who have been affected by providing reliable alternative supplies while the normal supply is unavailable.

“That includes specialist staff who can provide advice to households and businesses on an individual level. Volunteers are also being mobilised to help with bottled water.

“We are working incredibly hard to restore the treatment works and network to normal operations as quickly and safely as possible although this may take several days.”

He added: “We are actively tankering water into the local network to flush the pipe system and to allow customers to flush their toilets.

“This will also ensure that when the network can be brought back into normal operation, it does so safely and with the highest levels of water quality assurance.”

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) is also investigating the pollution incident.