Four days. That is how long the residents of Killin have been unable to drink their tap water after diesel was spilt into the River Dochart. Four days of bottled water, boiled kettles, and mounting frustration.
The cause of this mess? A bungled robbery at a temporarily closed petrol station. Someone tried to steal diesel from the Gulf Lix Toll site, damaged a fuel tank in the process, and sent the contents flowing into the river that feeds Loch Tay and, eventually, Killin’s water supply.
Over 500 domestic and business properties have been affected. Scottish Water’s John Griffen said teams have been working “around the clock” to flush the system, and that water quality has improved enough for bathing and washing. But drinking? Not yet. “Several days” more, he warned.
Certas Energy, which operates the site, confirmed the spillage was caused by an attempted theft. “Equipment was found on site that suggested there was an attempt to steal diesel from the tank,” a spokesperson said.
I find the whole thing infuriating. A quiet Highland village with about 700 residents has been turned upside down because someone fancied helping themselves to a tank of diesel. The environmental damage to the River Dochart, which is a beautiful stretch of water that draws visitors from all over, could take much longer to repair than the pipes.
SEPA and the police are investigating. I hope they find whoever did this, because the people of Killin deserve better than drinking bottled water in their own homes because of someone else’s stupidity.