Black Esk Water Treatment Works, Boreland
Scottish Water is developing plans to build a new £multimillion Water Treatment Works at Boreland, Dumfries and Galloway.
The existing ‘Black Esk’ Water Treatment Works was built in 1987 and is part of the Black Esk, Kettleton, Moffat and Winterhope Water Resource Zone. The treatment works supplies 21.6 million litres of water a day to 40,000 customers in Lockerbie, Annan, Dumfries and the surrounding area. It has come to the end of its serviceable life and is not suitable for upgrading.
The new works will be located on land adjacent to the existing works, within an area of commercial woodland. This site has been chosen in order to utilise the existing pipe work and reuse some of the existing buildings and infrastructure.
The new works will utilise similar construction methods and technologies to Bonnycraig Water Treatment Works in Peebles.
At a Glance
- 21.6 million litres of drinking water treated and supplied each day
- 40,000 customers served
- Supplying Lockerbie, Annan, Dumfries and the surrounding area
- £Multimillion investment
Existing Water Treatment Works at Boreland
Approx. location of new Water Treatment works
Felling on the commercial woodland started in February. Prior to carrying out this work the area was inspected for badgers, raptors and any squirrel dreys. No evidence was found of any activity within the working area and no further activity has been identified during the works.
This was already part of a long term commercial felling plan and it will enable us to carry out ground condition surveys to help inform our designs.
As compensatory planting, nearly 3200 broadleaved trees will be planted at Ettrick, around 20 miles away, by the end of March. A further 2 hectares of native broadleaved woodland will be planted at Black Esk by the end of 2026 to replace the commercial woodland felled to facilitate the new works. We will also be looking at what else can be done on the site to improve biodiversity.
Engagement with those living closest has already started to help us gather local knowledge and feedback before any planning applications are submitted.
Through this engagement we have begun the process of reviewing the size and layout of the new building and are reviewing the potential site entrance.
We are committed to engaging to those living closest to the works in the development and delivery of the project.
