Scottish Water has made a positive start to its £500 million programme of urban water investment with the completion of one of the first sewer network upgrade projects under the utility’s flagship Improving Urban Waters programme.
Photo: Lord Ancrum Woods IUW - the overflow chamber is buried underground
The installation of a new screened storm overflow near Lord Ancrum Woods in Edinburgh is a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the water environment and resilience of the sewer network across Scotland.
The £2 million project – which began in March 2024 – involved the replacement and installation of a new overflow with a powered screen, control kiosk, outfall pipe and a new section of sewer.
The design made sure most of the construction work was away from the wood itself to minimise the impact on the woodland and the need to remove trees for access.
Scottish Water’s Karen Dee, Waste Water Services Strategy General Manager said:
“We are delighted to have completed this vital project at Lord Ancrum Woods.
“The new screened overflow will play a crucial role in protecting the local watercourses and ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment for the community.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone for their patience and support during the planning and construction phases in what has proved to be a great example of collaborative work.
“With the community’s help and co-operation, we have been able to deliver the project with minimal disruption, maintaining pedestrian access and access to local football fields throughout.
“The new overflow will significantly reduce the amount of sewage related debris entering the Mary Burn and into the River Esk, improving the overall water environment.”
Overflows are an essential part of Scotland’s waste water infrastructure, acting as relief points to ensure storm and excess rain water does not overwhelm the system during weather events to protect our customers’ homes and businesses from flooding.
Over the past decade Scottish Water has invested £2.7 billion in improving and maintaining the country’s public drainage system and infrastructure.
Karen Dee added:
“We are already investing record amounts to address the challenges of ageing infrastructure and climate change.
“This additional investment of £500 million will enhance the monitoring of sewer systems, reduce sewage-related debris, and minimise overflows from the sewer network.
“People have a part to play as well by only flushing the three p’s – pee, poo and toilet paper – to keep our sewers clear of blockages and our rivers and beaches clean.
“By working together, we can protect properties, communities and the environment against the impact of increasing demand and climate change.”
Scottish Water’s Improving Urban Waters investment programme has over 100 projects currently being developed, designed and delivered.
Work on the Lord Ancrum Woods overflow was carried out by the water company’s delivery partner Caledonia Water Alliance.
With the UK government demanding a 50% reduction in storm overflow spills by 2029, the era of reactive management is over. Speaking in the House of Commons on 21 July 2025, then environment secretary Steve Reed said, “This Government will cut water companies’ sewage pollution in half by the end of the decade.”
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