Human sewage was released into the water

It allowed waste from a housing scheme in Luncarty, Perthshire, to leak into a River Tay tributary after a pumping station clogged up.

Perth Sheriff Court heard the level of urine found in the waters was more than 200 times above normal expectations.

Scottish Water admitted polluting Luncarty Lade with the effluent on two occasions last year.

The court heard the company had been warned about the dangers of the sewage by local residents and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa).

Scottish Water deeply regrets the incident which took place Niall MacDonald Scottish Water defence solicitor

When Sepa officers were called to the scene by the public, they noted the waste was visible to the naked eye as it was swept down into the river.

The court heard how the pollutants came from a sewage holding tank for the nearby village of Luncarty and were released after its pumps became blocked.

Fiscal depute Robbie Brown said: "This had been a matter of concern raised by Sepa in the month or so before the event as a result of telephone calls from the public.

"The potential for problems was something Scottish Water had been advised of by Sepa."

Defending solicitor Niall MacDonald apologised on behalf of the company but then blamed local residents for the problem.

Waste awareness

He said: "Scottish Water deeply regrets the incident which took place. The pumps forward sewage from a small housing development to a treatment works.

"The pump had become blocked due to rags and fibrous material. Steps have been taken to reduce the risk of future discharge.

"Scottish Water initiated a 'bag it and bin it' campaign which targeted the area with leaflets and letters.

"Customers were advised of a more appropriate means of disposal and the campaign was reasonably successful."

The pumping station has since been completely emptied and cleaned out with an improved maintenance programme initiated.