OLECG supports Scottish Water as extreme temperatures lead to burst water pipes

Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group is supporting Scottish Water’s efforts to trace and repair leaks across water networks on the Orkney Mainland.

Problems emerged as a result of last week’s extreme low temperatures and the thaw now underway, particularly in the West Mainland.

A local response team continues to work on Mainland Orkney to maintain a normal service for customers. Scottish Water is working with its partner agencies across OLECG to develop contingency plans for water distribution, if required.

Scottish Water are appealing for customers and property owners to help in locating leaks, whether on the public water network or in private plumbing.

They are particularly asking customers in these areas to check any empty properties, business premises, holiday homes, basements, out houses, field troughs or garden taps to identify where there may be any burst pipes.

Leaks and bursts within vacant premises could result in flooding and damage to properties and they encourage all customers to check where possible, in line with current Covid-19 travel guidelines.

Where customers are aware of leaks or bursts on the public water network, they are asked to contact Scottish Water with as much detail of the location as possible. Issues can be reported via the online reporting portal on Scottish Water’s website at www.scottishwater.co.uk/report.