New Loch Ness water supply in full flow

Scottish Water has reached a major milestone in its significant investment to provide a single, improved water supply for Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston with the successful commissioning of a new state-of-the-art Water Treatment Works to serve both communities. 
 
Around 1250 customers in the two villages are now receiving their water from a single supply taken from Loch Ness, which will ensure the needs of the area’s economy can be met on a sustainable basis, including during times of peak summer demand. The new treatment process and single source will also reduce the risk of water quality problems in the future. 
 
The project, which started in September 2018, has seen multiple phases of work carried out over the years including the installation of a new Raw Water Intake and pumping station at Loch Ness near the old Invermoriston Pier; and a state-of-the-art Water Treatment Works sited in forestry above the A82, capable of producing 1 million litres of clear, fresh drinking water each day. 
 
Around 10km of new water main now connects Invermoriston and Fort Augustus mainly following the lower route of the Great Glen Way; there are new water storage facilities for both villages and a new, more secure water main crossing drilled beneath the River Oich and Caledonian Canal in Fort Augustus. 
 
While a number of final elements of work are still to be carried out, including the sliplining of some water mains and the installation of two new network pump stations to serve properties above Fort Augustus, the most significant construction work is now complete. 
 
The work has been carried out on Scottish Water’s behalf by alliance partner Efficient Service Delivery (ESD). 
 
ESD Project Manager Kelton Bennett said: 
 
“This has been a hugely complex project which has had to overcome some significant challenges. We are delighted to have reached this very significant milestone where customers in both Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston are now receiving their water from the new supply. 
 
“Given the location of the project in the heart of the Great Glen, we have had to be very sensitive in the way we have carried out this work and would like to thank residents in the area for engaging with us in a very constructive way as we have worked through the delivery of the improved infrastructure. 
 
“We are now looking to complete the final elements of the project before the end of the year, which should serve the community well for many years to come.” 
 
Scottish Water Corporate Affairs Manager Gavin Steel said: 
 
“Seeing all the planning and hard work that’s gone into delivering this project come together as the new treatment works goes into supply is a testament to everyone who has been involved. 
 
“This significant investment will ensure that customers in Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston continue to receive a high quality water supply which can adapt to the needs of the community, especially in the summer months when the local population grows substantially. 
 
“We are very grateful to residents in the area for their patience and understanding while this work has been ongoing, and for all their input, which has helped us to minimise disruption and address issues quickly where they have arisen.”