Assurances sought over plans to close water lab

Assurances are being sought over plans by Scottish Water to close its laboratory in Orkney at the end of November.

Orkney Islands Council is asking Scottish Water for guarantees that it can maintain effective monitoring of public supplies across Orkney without a locally-based laboratory to carry out regular tests of water samples.

The council also makes use of the laboratory to check that private water supplies meet public health standards.

“This decision has been taken by Scottish Water without consultation with the Council,” said OIC Convener, Councillor Stephen Hagan.

“We have raised our concerns about the impact of closing the laboratory with the Drinking Water Quality Regulator. We and the regulator are asking for assurances from Scottish Water that the service they provide in Orkney will continue to meet current standards.

“Without a locally-based laboratory, samples may have to be sent to Inverness or Edinburgh for testing – and in severe weather conditions meeting the 24-hour [testing] deadline could prove difficult. That could lead to delays in either issuing or lifting notices for people to boil water before drinking – one of the key concerns we are raising with Scottish Water.”