Improving Urban Waters - Major Project to Protect the Water of Leith

Scottish Water has unveiled plans for a £3.2million project to help prevent wet wipes and other sewer related debris from entering the Water of Leith in Edinburgh.

An unscreened overflow under Gorgie Road at Saughton Park will be upgraded to include a new spill chamber and powered screen to filter out any debris during heavy rain.

Work is due to get underway in January 2026 for approximately six months.

A drop in information event will be held at Bainfield Bowling Club, 34 Hutchison Crossway, Edinburgh EH14 1RU on Thursday 27 November 2025 from 3pm until 7pm for people to find out more.

Scottish Water Senior Project Manager Ethan Gillies Denning said: “We will be working on Gorgie Road itself which will require a full road closure between Robb’s Loan and Hutchison Crossway.

“We have been liaising closely with Edinburgh City Council planning the project programme and everything will be done to minimise disruption for residents and road users.

“Once completed, the new screened storm overflow will significantly reduce the amount of sewer debris getting into the Water of Leith, enhancing the area for everyone.”

Storm overflows are an essential component in Scotland’s sewer network, designed to prevent waste water from backing up and flooding homes and businesses during heavy rain.

The project is part of Scottish Water's Improving Urban Waters programme, an additional £500million package of investment to improve the environment and make it more enjoyable for customers to explore their local area.

Working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Scottish Water has identified priority storm overflows for improvement or replacement for water quality or aesthetic – sewer related debris – reasons.

Under the banner ‘Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment’ the investment will help prevent sewage related debris such as wet wipes from entering the environment during periods of rainfall.

Ethan Gillies Denning added: “We are working on similar projects on Corstorphine Road in Murrayfield and at Balgreen nearby which are progressing well.

“But while the work will bring great benefits in the long-term there is inevitably a short period of disruption.

“For that reason, I would encourage people to come along to the information event to find out exactly what is involved and how it might affect them.”