Kyle Residents Invited to Find Out More About Lead Pipe Replacement Project

Scottish Water is inviting residents in Kyle of Lochalsh to find out more about an on-going project to identify any remaining lead pipes in the area served by Kyle Water Treatment Works (WTW). 
 
The work, which covers the area from Glenshiel to Kyleakin and encompasses around 2,200 homes and businesses, involves an intensive programme of water quality sampling. 
 
This enables the identification of any properties that may have lead present within the final section of Scottish Water pipework connecting them to the public water network, or within the supply pipe and plumbing belonging to individual property owners. 
 

The work is being carried out in eight phases, the first three of which are now underway, with customers being contacted via letter to make an appointment for a water sample to be taken from their property. Appointments are also available to book online for those included in the phases currently underway - this includes customers in Invershiel, Dornie, Ardelve, Bundalloch, Drumbuie, Duirinish, Balmacara and Auchtertyre. 

 
Project Manager Hugh MacPherson said: “The main focus of our work is on investigating the final part of the public water network which supplies each home and the private supply pipe. These are the parts of the pipework which may not have been replaced in the past when the public water mains were renewed. 
 
“We are really keen to get as many properties sampled in the area as possible so that we can build a comprehensive picture about any remaining lead in the network and to get these pipes replaced. 
 
“As well as being beneficial for customers, this work has the potential to simplify the water treatment process at Kyle Water Treatment Works – one element of which is designed to minimise the potential impact of lead pipes on water quality at customers’ taps.” 
 
He added: “As part of this pilot scheme in Lochalsh, Scottish Water can offer to carry out and pay for work on the private supply pipe, up to the kitchen tap, with the owner’s permission. This offer is limited to the current project, so it’s worth taking the opportunity to find out if there is any work needed.” 
 
A drop-in session will be held at the Cosy Corner Cafe in Balmacara Square on Wednesday, May 15 between 3pm and 7pm for residents included in the first three phases to meet with members of the project team and discuss any questions they might have.