Scot Lib Dems issue warning over worst hit rivers for sewage dumps

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has today called for a new Blue Flag status to protect rivers from pollution, as analysis by the party of new Scottish Water figures revealed the worst rivers and bodies of water in the country for sewage dumping.

Updated figures published on the Scottish Water website on 26th June, showed that there were 25,109 sewage dumps in Scotland in 2023, an increase from the 21,660 originally reported in March and more than double the number of dumps recorded in 2020. The duration of these sewage dumps was 242,367 hours.

The worst affected rivers and waterways included the Clyde, Carron and Cluden Water.

Scottish Liberal Democrats have announced plans for a Clean Water Act which would see:

• Scotland’s Victorian sewage network updated;  

• Every sewage dump monitored and published with binding targets for their reduction;  

• A blue flag system for Scotland’s rivers;    

• A complete ban on the release of sewage in protected areas such as bathing waters.  

Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“Scotland's beautiful rivers and waterways risk being ruined by shocking levels of sewage dumping.

“The amount of sewage being dumped into our rivers and waterways will be a red flag to residents, dog walkers and anyone who loves our great outdoors.

“The latest figures show the dumping taking place is even worse than previously suspected.

“To turn the tide on this scandal, Scottish Liberal Democrats have published plans for a Clean Water Act that would see a new blue flag system for Scotland's rivers, as well as vital updates to our sewage network and a clamp down on discharges.”