A £1.8m Scottish Water project will reduce leakage and bursts on some of Glasgow’s key water mains.

Scottish Water has started work on the installation of seven Pressure Control Valves, which will allow them to better manage pressure in the city’s trunk main network.

The installation of the valves – some of which are about half the size of a small car – will allow them to balance pressures and create a 'calm' network.

This will reduce the amount of leakage and the frequency of bursts on the trunk mains. Leakage and bursts can lead to disruption to the water supply and require repair and road reinstatement work and traffic management while this is carried out.

Another benefit of the investment will be a reduction in the amount of water we have to produce at the Milngavie and Balmore water treatment works, which serve most of Greater Glasgow, and so reduce our operating costs and carbon emissions and improve our overall efficiency.


The work, to be carried out for Scottish Water by contractors Farrans, will involve the installation of seven valves at five locations in Maryhill, Temple/Anniesland, Blairdardie/Knightswood and Townhead.

Mr Paul Kerr, Scottish Water’s head of leakage delivery, said: "Reducing leakage is, and will remain, a top priority for us. Managing the pressure means the pipes are put under less strain and are therefore less likely to leak. The less leakage Scottish Water has, the less drinking water we have to produce and this means we consume less power, which in turn keeps energy costs down."

Mr Jim Hassan, Scottish Water’s water operations manager in the area, added: "A reduction in the frequency of bursts will reduce disruption to our customers and road users in the city. Bursts can cause consequential damage to roads – which require reinstatement work – so this investment is obviously good news for the city centre.

"It’s another example of Scottish Water’s commitment to supporting the regeneration of the Glasgow area and to improving our infrastructure in the city. It will also help as the city prepares for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and other major events."

(GK)