Village water 'safe to drink' after diesel spilled into river

Residents in a Perthshire village have been told their tap water is safe to drink again after diesel spilled into the River Dochart.

The water supply to households and businesses in Killin was disrupted after an incident at a petrol station on Friday.

Scottish Water said extensive flushing of the network has taken place and specialist laboratory staff have carried out rigorous sampling on the water.

All restrictions have now been lifted and customers can use their normal water supply for drinking, food preparation, brushing teeth and all other purposes.

Scottish Water's chief scientist, Susan Lee, said: "Public health has remained our top priority throughout the response to this pollution incident and we've been analysing sample results meticulously. 

"We recognise the inconvenience the 'do not use' restriction caused to homes and businesses, however it was necessary to put proper measures in place to protect public health."

Residents reported a strong solvent taste in the water and in the air outside on Friday.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said it had received several reports of contamination in the river on Thursday evening and overnight.

Scottish Water said that water will temporarily be tankered into the network from elsewhere, while work continues behind the scenes on the local water network.

No water will be abstracted from the River Dochart for use in the water treatment works until Sepa, the environmental regulator, has confirmed there is no evidence of pollution.

Some customers may continue to experience some intermittent supply issues due to demand, as well as the tankers in operation, as mains water is restored.

Stirling Council said there was evidence of some contamination in Loch Tay which may be travelling downstream into the River Tay. Monitoring on the water will continue.

Support for customers remains in place at McLaren Hall in Killin.