Scottish Water keeps Skerries in supply

One of Scotland’s most easterly points has successfully been kept in water supply after a period of low rainfall affecting water reserves on the islet.

Skerries an archipelago of three islands, is the most easterly outpost that is part of Shetland, making it one of the most remote places in Scotland.

An operation was launched by public utility Scottish Water after it was alerted to low raw water storage due to a period of very little rainfall.
The extremely dry spell, which resulted in Shetland’s highest ever average temperature, meant reservoir levels had dropped.

Immediately, operations staff jumped into action and arranged for water tankers to take potable water to Skerries via ferry.

Following discussion with locals and limited space on the ferry, Scottish Water staff looked for alternate ways to get the large volumes of water to Skerries, finalising plans that included a well boat operated by Ocean Farm Services.

The logistical challenge required meticulous planning which saw water tankers take water from Loch of Huxter in Whalsay, a neighbouring island in Shetland to Symbister pier.

Followed by the transfer of the water to well boat and sailing to Skerries where imported pumps and 600m of temporary overlanded pipe was used to transfer raw water to existing storage tanks, a process which took approximately 10 hours, each trip.

In total, three loads were delivered, which saw the successful delivery of 242m3 of potable water and a further 1,500m3 of raw water to ensure there is enough water on Skerries to last until the reservoir there can recover naturally.

Jim Anderson is Scottish Water’s Operations Team Leader for Shetland, he said: “Our operatives have worked extremely hard to ensure Skerries residents are kept in water supply.

“Whilst this operation is massive logistically, it shows the skill and resilience we have across the organisation.

“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.”

The untreated water will now go through Scottish Water treatment processes before reaching customer's taps.

Violet McQuade, Clerk from Skerries Community Council 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.