Scottish Water is to begin work on a £6 million project to improve water quality and reduce sewer related debris entering a Midlothian water course.
A new storm overflow chamber and storm water attenuation tank will be constructed in Bilston Park as part of the publicly owned utility’s Improving Urban Waters programme,
A powered screen will filter out sewer related debris bigger than 6mm before discharging into the Bilston Burn, while a 750 cubic metre tank – a third of the size of an Olympic swimming pool – will reduce spills during heavy rain by ensuring the sewer network is not overwhelmed.
The existing storm overflows underneath the park will be replaced with a new powered screened spill chamber and storm attenuation tank
Senior Scottish Water Project Manager Ethan Gillies Denning said:
“The existing infrastructure has been causing issues for some time.
“Customers have told us about problems with spills and sewer related debris during heavy rain and subsequent testing confirmed the burn wasn’t meeting our regulatory standards.
“Working with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency we have committed to delivering a project that will make a significant, positive difference to the water environment and ensure water quality levels improve.”
From Monday 9 February 2026, the project site compound will be set up on land just north of the Bilston Burn, with the new overflow chamber and storm tank being installed under the grassy area on the other side of the burn.
IUW Bilston
Storm Storage
A large tank will prevent the local sewer network from being overwhelmed during heavy rain, reducing spills
The project is part of Scottish Water's Improving Urban Waters programme, an additional £500 million package of investment to improve the environment and make it more enjoyable for customers to explore their local area.
Working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Scottish Water has identified priority storm overflows for improvement or replacement for water quality or aesthetic – sewer related debris – reasons.
The project is being delivered by Scottish Water’s alliance partner, Caledonia Water Alliance and is expected to be completed by spring 2027.
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