Community / Scottish Water completes complex water transfer to Skerries
SCOTTISH Water says it has just completed a complex operation to keep the people of Skerries supplied with fresh water.
Photo: Courtesy of Willie Mackie of W&W Mackie Ltd/Scottish Water
The remote island is usually supplied with water through a reservoir which is fed by rainwater, a system that works in winter but occasionally is in danger of running dry during the summer months.
With Shetland experiencing the ‘hottest’ July since records began in 1884 including very little rain fall, Scottish Water staff sprang into action to keep islanders supplied.
The utility’s operations team leader in Shetland, Jim Anderson, said a total of 11 tanker runs with “potable” water were completed on board the ferry Filla over recent weeks, while three deliveries of ‘raw’ water were made on board Ocean Farm Services’ well boat Ocean Aquila.
The ‘raw’ water will have to be treated in the island’s own water treatment works before it can safely be consumed.
Due to limited space on the ferry – there was no room for other vehicles as the Scottish Water tanker had to be lashed down – another way of bringing large volumes of water had to be found.
To achieve that goal, water was taken from the Loch of Huxter in Whalsay to the well boat berthed at Symbister Pier and then taken to neighbouring Skerries.
Photo: Courtesy of Willie Mackie of W&W Mackie Ltd/Scottish Water
Here imported pumps and 600 metres of temporary overland pipe were used to transfer raw water to existing storage tanks, a process which took approximately 10 hours each trip.
In total, 1,500 m³ of raw water and 242 m³ of potable water was taken to Skerries.
The utility said there is now enough water on the small island to last until the reservoir can recover naturally.
“Our operatives have worked extremely hard to ensure Skerries residents are kept in water supply,” Anderson said.
“Whilst this operation is massive logistically, it shows the skill and resilience we have across the organisation.
“Final shipment was delivered on Sunday [10 August] and both sites demobilised. Tankers, pumps and transfer hoses all returned to mainland last night on NorthLink.
“I’m delighted with the support that we have received on this occasion and most importantly that we’ve kept our customers supplied with great tasting water.”
Skerries Community Council clerk Violet McQuade said: “We appreciate the efforts that have been undertaken in keeping the people of Skerries supplied with water during the recent spell of dry weather.”
At the present time, no other water supplies on Shetland are on the risk register, Scottish Water added.
Photo: Courtesy Colin Leask of Ocean Farm Services/Scottish Water
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