Roseanna Cunningham is giving the Turret turbine the 'green' light.

The local MSP officially unveiled the new, modern hydro turbine, which is a key feature of Scottish Water's £30m investment at the Turret Water Treatment Works (WTW).

The unit will replace the existing turbine, which dates back over 25 years. The new turbine is currently being tested and will be commissioned later this summer.

Unveiling the environmentally friendly generator, Roseanna Cunningham said: "The green electricity produced by this new turbine will power the continued delivery of clean water supplies to households in Perthshire and beyond in a manner that meets the needs and aspirations of the 21st century."

The hydro turbine is one of a number of initiatives making up Turret's 'green' credentials.

David Crawford and his team will replace the 25 year old turbines with a single, modern, more efficient turbine, capable of generating 500 kW.

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The new turbine is located within the works itself, while a second hydro turbine station, located on the hillside is capable of generating a further 1400kW.

These turbines will not only power the works, but will also deliver enough electricity back into the national grid to power 450 homes.

The project began with 9,000m3 of rock being excavated. In order to reduce lorry journeys and the site's environmental impact, this was crushed on site and reused in the construction programme.

Turret is the highest WTW in the UK, at more than a 1,000ft above sea level. This allows the treated water to directly feed communities in Perthshire, Stirlinghshire, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire with clearer, fresher drinking water using the force of gravity. This replaces the need for energy-sapping pumps.

Scottish Water's Regional Communities Manager for Perthshire, Anne Marie Dewar hopes this enthusiasm continues as the project moves forward: "We want our customers to appreciate the look and taste of their drinking water and that is why this investment is so important to Scottish Water. This efficient and modern water treatment works will help us deliver improved quality drinking water to this community and those along the length of its pipeline for generations to come."

The new two stream concrete Actiflo facility is a first for Scotland. The pioneering treatment process injects the sand filtration media into the raw water supply, promoting the settlement of minerals and materials more efficiently. This ground-breaking treatment system will be commissioned later in the summer.

Work is progressing well, with the investment passing the half way stage.

(GK/JM)