£3.6 million upgrade to Orkney’s water system

Scottish Water has announced a £3.6 million initiative to improve drinking water quality in the county.

Around 170 miles of pipes will be upgraded in an extensive programme of work over the coming months.

The refurbishments will involve internal relining and cleaning of pipes, with the first part of the project expected to get under way in Kirkwall and surrounding areas in early May.

Work will follow in a number of other areas – including Burray and South Ronaldsay, Tankerness, Deerness, Holm, Orphir, Stenness and Firth.

The majority of the work is expected to be complete by late 2013.