An incoming Scottish Water project in Leith’s sewers has the long-term goal of reducing water pollution.
With the motto “Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment”, Scottish Water aims to improve the quality of urban water by implementing more effective sewer-management strategies.
Working in alignment with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), a project is commencing on Edinburgh’s Gorgie Road, upgrading a new spill chamber and powered screen.
This forms part of a wider strategy to minimise sewer overflows and, consequentially, reduce water pollution.
These sewer blockages are mostly caused by domestic mishaps such as wet wipes, sanitary products and other debris being flushed down the toilet.
This project is amounting to a sizable £3.2m – just a minor component of Scottish Water’s ‘Improving Urban Waters’ scheme, consisting of a £500m package of investment to improve river environments and maintain the natural Scottish scenery.
Work is expected to begin in January 2026 and last around six months.
However, Scottish Water Senior Project Manager Ethan Gillies Denning has assured the public that “everything will be done to minimise disruption for residents and road users.”
He continued:
“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.”
“Water of Leith sunset” by goforchris is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.