Smelly Water contamination in North Lanarkshire

Summary

In this video, Gavin Taylor addresses the public about the water contamination incident in North Lair, where 6,000 properties were affected by oily and chemical substances. He interviews Peter from Scottish Water, who explains the ongoing efforts to provide clean water to residents and the challenges faced in identifying the contamination's source. Despite the significant public interest, the Drinking Water Quality Regulator denied a freedom of information request for the contamination report, citing potential legal repercussions. Taylor urges viewers to support a petition for regulatory transparency to ensure communities can make informed decisions regarding water safety.

Takeaways

• 🚰 The Scottish water contamination report is focused on an incident in North Louth on June 18, 2015, affecting 6,000 properties.
• 😷 Residents reported foul diesel smells and discolored water from their taps, prompting a public response.
• 🧑‍🔬 Peter from Scottish Water reassured the public and apologized for the inconvenience caused by the contamination.
• 💧 Customers were advised to avoid using tap water for anything other than flushing toilets.
• 📦 Scottish Water deployed over 100 staff to deliver bottled water directly to affected households.
• 🔍 Investigations revealed an oily, fuel-based substance in the water supply, but the source remained unidentified.
• ⏳ Scottish Water promised to remain on-site as long as customers needed clean water access.
• 🚫 The Drinking Water Quality Regulator denied a Freedom of Information request to view the contamination report, citing lack of public interest.
• 🔒 The regulator's refusal to disclose the report raised concerns about regulatory transparency and institutional practices.
• 📜 The speaker called for public support to push for the release of contamination reports to enhance community awareness and decision-making.

Q & A

What event is the petition regarding?

The petition is regarding the water contamination incident that occurred in North Lure on June 18, 2015, affecting 6,000 properties.

What specific issues have residents reported about the water?

Residents have reported a foul diesel smell and discoloration of the water.

What actions has Scottish Water taken in response to the contamination?

Scottish Water has advised customers not to use the water for any purpose other than flushing toilets and is delivering bottled water to affected households, as well as setting up collection points.

What type of substance has been identified in the water supply?

Investigations have indicated the presence of an oily, fuel-based type substance in the water supply.

What has Scottish Water's spokesperson stated about the duration of the cleanup?

The spokesperson mentioned they would be on site as long as necessary, and they would provide updates once they have more information about the duration of the cleanup.

Why was the request to view the water contamination report denied?

The Drinking Quality Water Regulator denied the freedom of information request citing a lack of public interest and potential prejudice to any ensuing legal proceedings.

What is the speaker's stance on the release of contamination reports?

The speaker believes there is significant public interest in ensuring that water contamination reports are released for regulatory transparency.

How does the speaker plan to address the denial of the report access?

The speaker intends to pass the petition on to concerned MSPs to advocate for changes in how contamination reports are handled.

What historical context does the speaker provide regarding industrial pollution?

The speaker highlights the history of water pollution related to industries and emphasizes the importance of timely information for communities to understand the potential impact on their water and air quality.

What advice did Scottish Water give to residents regarding water usage?

Scottish Water advised residents not to drink the contaminated water or wash with it and to seek alternative water sources, such as collection points or deliveries from the company.