Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Thousands waterless in Glasgow

Suzanna Chambers
Sunday 14 December 1997 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

More than 54,000 people living in Glasgow, where water supplies have been contaminated by a diesel leak, were yesterday relying on emergency street water tanks, as the elderly, infirm and housebound waited for water to be delivered by the council.

And for a simple wash, residents were having to traipse to relatives living in other parts of the city or down to sports centres to take advantage of free showers.

Residents in parts of Clydebank, Bearsden and Milngavie have been unable to drink or wash in tap water since Wednesday, after a leak from a power generator at a treatment works polluted the water supplies for more than 22,000 households.

West of Scotland Water was "working round the clock to resolve the situation," though it could be days before supplies were restored. Restrictions would only be lifted when it was "absolutely sure" the water was safe, said customer services director, Charles Schooling.

John Wilson, at Allander Sports Centre in Bearsden, said people had been flocking to use the free facilities - supplied from a different source - after the offer was publicised on local radio. The centre will also be used to make packed lunches for schools affected by the polluted supply.

"It is upsetting, and very disturbing for young families," Mr Wilson said. "You can flush the toilet but you can't wash. It's like camping in your own home."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in