Water safe to drink for Killin residents five days after diesel spill

Tap water is now safe to drink for residents of a Highland village five days after diesel was spilt into a river following a “botched” robbery.

Fuel was spilt into the River Dochart, which runs into Loch Tay, on Thursday, affecting over 500 homes and businesses.

Locals were told not to drink from their taps, but Scottish Water said residents of the village could use water for bathing and washing from Sunday.

Five days on, they have confirmed that after “rigorous sampling”, the restrictions have been lifted and the water is now deemed safe to drink.

Scottish Water’s chief scientist, Susan Lee, said: “Public health has remained our top priority throughout the response to this pollution incident and we’ve been analysing sample results meticulously. We’re now confident the water is safe to drink, use for cooking and other purposes. 

“We recognise the inconvenience the ‘Do Not Use’ restriction caused to homes and businesses, however, it was necessary to put proper measures in place to protect public health.

“We thank customers for their patience while this water quality issue was resolved, and for the warm welcome and appreciation our teams received in the village.” 

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

Customers have been advised that water will be temporarily tankered into the network from elsewhere while work continues to prepare the local water treatment works for its return to full operation.

As a result, some customers may continue to experience intermittent supply issues.

Certas Energy, which operates the Gulf Lix Toll site near the village, confirmed that the major incident was caused by an attempted 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.