Water still not safe to drink after four days after diesel spill

Tap water is still not safe to drink after diesel was spilt into a river near a Highland village, but residents have been told the quality is improving.

The spillage in Killin was caused by a botched robbery at a temporarily closed petrol station, which saw the River Dochart, which runs into Loch Tay, badly polluted on Thursday evening.

On Sunday evening, having had officers on the scene for days, the water company said residents of the village could now use the water for bathing and washing, but that it was still not safe to drink.

Scottish Water said that over 500 domestic and business properties were affected, with people told not to drink from their taps.

Water operations general manager John Griffen said: “Following several days of continuous flushing of the water network in Killin and extensive sampling and testing, we are pleased to share that water quality has improved.

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

“These improvements reflect the progress our teams have made on the ground and mark an important step forward as we work to fully restore our customers drinking water.”

Scottish Water has said that despite teams working “around the clock” since the alarm was raised to flush the system, it would take “several days” for the water supply to return to normal.

Mr Griffen added: “Restoring a safe and reliable water supply to the village is our highest priority. Our teams will remain on site, and we will continue providing bottled water to customers until normal supplies are fully restored.”

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.

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

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.”