Threat for Scottish Water Over Water Contamination

Scottish Water could be sued over the recent water contamination in North Lanarkshire, which resulted in nine school closures and thousands of residents being advised to only use mains water to flush toilets

The threat of legal action has come from Patrick McGuire, of Thompsons Solicitors, who claims Scottish Water has committed an offence under the Scotland Water Act.

McGuire told the  Motherwell Times : “The act of parliament that governs the conduct of Scottish Water is quite clear. They have a statutory duty to supply the public with clean and healthy water.

“If they do not, as is the case here, then they can be held liable. My team of lawyers who are very experienced in large scale law suits are very confident residents have a strong claim for compensation and we’re already starting to take calls from worried residents.”

Scottish Water said the contamination of the water supply on 18 June resulted in the water containing an oily based substance with a strong odour.

The Scottish government has vowed to take “any necessary action” following an investigation by the drinking water quality regulator.

Responding to a question in the Scottish Parliament, Scottish minister for transport and the islands Dereck Mackay said: “Intensive work to establish the cause of the contamination continues," he said.

Source: Utility Week

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• Pollution
• Water Supply
• Water Utility