Cardross Community Welcomes Completion of Flood Prevention Project

“We are extremely grateful for the cooperation of the Cardross Trust who own and manage the park. Residents can now enjoy fresh peace of mind when it rains heavily knowing the new overflow will protect their homes and businesses from flooding.”

Paul Milligan
Caledonia Water Allliance

Scottish Water has completed a £1.5million project to tackle sewer flooding in a picturesque village on the Firth of Clyde.

A new screened overflow has been built under a small section of Geilston Park in Cardross to divert rainwater run-off into the nearby Geilston Burn during extreme weather.

Nearly a dozen properties in the village had been affected by internal and external flooding, which had also impacted the park and nearby tennis courts.

Scottish Water’s Communications and Engagement Team Lead Laura Boyce said: “We are delighted to have been able to design and deliver a much-needed flood alleviation project for Cardross.

“There were some understandable reservations about the impact of the works on the village, but these were quickly allayed and we have enjoyed working with everyone concerned.

“A highlight was definitely the site visit by youngsters from the local nursery to learn about how the waste water system works and they even got the chance to sit in a digger.”

Overflows are critical components of the sewer system, designed to safely divert excess rainwater away from the network into water courses and the sea.

This only happens when the sewer reaches capacity, and less than one per cent of the waste water is actually from toilets so will not harm the environment.

The project was delivered by Scottish Water’s alliance partner Caledonia Water Alliance.

Paul Milligan, CWA’s Communications Manager said: “We are extremely grateful for the cooperation of the Cardross Trust who own and manage the park.

“Working closely with them, we were able to ensure the park and play area remained accessible at all times with minimal inconvenience to the community.

“Once the grass grows back it will be barely noticeable that such a significant project has taken place.

“Residents can now enjoy fresh peace of mind when it rains heavily knowing the new overflow will protect their homes and businesses from flooding.”

Scottish Water is investing record levels – nearly a billion pounds a year – on improving its infrastructure to help meet increased demand and address the impact of climate change.

All overflows are licensed and regulated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.