Whalsay water work wraps up

WORK on a new £5 million water treatment plant and pumping station in Whalsay has been completed.

The project, which began construction in the autumn, also includes a new 700 metre water main to the plant at the banks of Loch Huxter.

The plant uses nano-filtration and reverse osmosis technology to ensure a fresh supply of water.

The work was carried out by contractor Ross-shire Engineering and the main part of the building was constructed in the Highlands before being shipped to Symbister in October.

Scottish Water senior project manager David Kitching said the plant started supplying water in late May.

“Customers will benefit from fresher, cleaner water from the state of the art membrane treatment and reverse osmosis process, which provides advanced filtration and allows for a more efficient treatment process,” he said.

“The project has been delivered to schedule and within budget. The works have progressed as programmed and completion secured due to the off-site fabrication and commissioning of the modular membrane plant, reducing the site construction period significantly, compared to contemporary construction.

“Final decommissioning works are scheduled to commence in the summer including demolishing the existing raw water pump station at Huxter.”