Scottish Water’s first online overflow map, showing near real-time data from wastewater overflows across the country, is now live and available for public use.
The interactive map provides information on when an overflow is operating and where recent activity has occurred, using data gathered by monitors, allowing local communities to access information on overflows in their area.
The launch of the map followed a December announcement from the utility that it has installed more than 1000 new sewer monitors across its wastewater system as part of a £500m programme of investment “to transform Scotland’s sewer network and improve the country’s water environment.”
Scottish Water said the monitors will help give the public and Scottish Water “unprecedented levels of information about how the wastewater network is performing, helping the utility avert flooding and pollution and plan targeted future investment.”
A new 15-strong dedicated team is now in place nationwide to take information from the monitors and work to proactively prevent flooding and pollution incidents.
Earlier this year, Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) also called for greater information and transparency on overflows, while recognising the important role they do play in protecting homes and businesses. Scottish Water said the new overflow map responds to this recommendation.
Users will be able to search using a postcode, local authority area or a waterbody to find out about overflow activity in any given location.
The new monitors and map will also provide information that will enhance Scottish Water’s knowledge and decision making around which overflows should be prioritised for investment.
The map will show:
• The location of Scottish Water monitored overflows;
• The status and recent overflow event activity;
• How overflows are ranked in order of investment priority and whether investment is planned
Professor Simon Parsons, Scottish Water’s Director of Environment, Planning and Assurance, who has led the delivery of the Improving Urban Waters routemap, said: “The new online service will allow people in Scotland to be better informed with an easy-to-use map to fully understand where and when sewer system overflows are occurring.
“It’s been important to Scottish Water to ensure that the development of this service has taken our customers’ view into account. We’ve worked with several external groups on the design and the supporting information, so I’m pleased this has been a really collaborative process.”
The new interactive map can be easily accessed via the Scottish Water website: www.scottishwater.co.uk/overflows.
