Community / South Whiteness water main a ‘huge problem’ – but replacement only expected in 2025
A LOCAL councillor says she is “disheartened” to hear that the water main in South Whiteness which has caused problems over the years is only expected to be replaced in 2025.
Catherine Hughson, who lives in the area, called for more investment to “get better outcomes for our community”.
Scottish Water said it was working through other jobs in order of priority first.
Shetland Central councillor Hughson said the issue has been a “huge problem” for South Whiteness residents – and one that seems to be getting worse.
“Just this month there have been two instances of loss of pressure and water,” she said. “This is becoming part of the norm.
“Constituents are reporting the inability to use showers etcetera because of low pressure.”
Tingwall, Whiteness and Weisdale Community Council chairman Andrew Archer described the water main as “pretty ancient”.
He said South Whiteness has had a lot of problems with bursts or leaks from the water main, which has sometimes cause loss of supply but tends to result in low pressure.
“We were trying to find out when the main was going to be replaced but were struggling to get a definite date from Scottish Water so we asked [Shetland MSP] Beatrice Wishart to ask the question for us and she got an answer,” Archer said.
“The view from Scottish Water seems to be that there are a lot of problems at South Whiteness but, given that many of them are low pressure rather than complete loss of supply, there are other places in Shetland in more desperate need of fixing, hence South Whiteness being fourth on the list after Effirth, Vementry and Quendale.”
Scottish Water said it recognises the “need for investment in the South Whiteness water network, as well as the other priority areas previously outlined and that we will endeavour to respond to any issues as quickly as possible”.
It added: “Our aim in doing this is to deliver all the investment that is needed as quickly as we can, but to prioritise customers who are experiencing the most significant disruption to their service.”
But Hughson said there has been disappointment locally at Scottish Water’s response.
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