Glasgow's River Clyde Back To Health

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham, yesterday confirmed that investment in the River Clyde has helped to tackle pollution and restore habitats.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) which monitors the water quality in Scotland's lochs and rivers has reported the Clyde is in significantly better health than expected thanks to investment by Scottish Water, SEPA, farmers and local authorities.

The major improvement project is estimated to result in Scottish Water invest more than £600 million between 2010 and 2021, with the money going into wastewater treatment work and sewerage systems in the area.

Meanwhile the Scottish Governments Water Environment Fund (WEF), which is administered by SEPA, has help to restore natural habitats by removing fish barriers and concrete channels to allow fish to reach the upper reaches of the Clyde catchment. The WEF fund has already invested £3.1 million in river restoration projects near Hamilton and Shotts, with more investment planned for this coming year.

Ms Cunningham, said; "The Clyde flows through the very heart of Glasgow and for centuries the river has provided our largest city with a gateway to the world and a source of prosperity.

"However, since industrialization in the early 1800s, we've abused this river, tipping our waste into it without a second thought for the impact is has on the communities living along the banks, water quality or the wider environment.

"That's why I am delighted to see further evidence that we have secured a lasting change in the Clyde's fortunes."

Works into the rivers improvements have resulted in river quality improving from the worst category of 'bad', to 'moderate' in 2015, with some stretches of the river currently rating at 'excellent'. While the quality of water discharged from wastewater treatment works has improved and overflows from sewers have been limited.

The drastic improvements to the rivers water quality can been seen through the reintroduction of salmon along 100km of waterways in higher parts of the river, and in the reduced pollution from agricultural sources.

SEPA chairman, Bob Downs, said; "Having a healthier River Clyde system is a real benefit to people living in Glasgow. We need to ensure that our rivers are in as good a condition as they can be, providing a healthy environment and contributing to everyone's well-being. There's still a lot of work to be done, but seeing the results of the hard work that has already happened is very rewarding and encouraging."

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