Killin water supply contaminated after 'attempted theft'

A recent diesel spill into the River Dochart near Killin, Perthshire, has been traced back to an attempted theft at a local petrol station, according to the facility’s operators. This contamination incident has resulted in a significant disruption to the village’s water supply, with residents warned not to use tap water for anything beyond flushing toilets due to safety concerns.

Scottish Water issued the advisory after the diesel leak affected a nearby water treatment plant. Locals reported detecting a strong solvent flavor in their tap water and noticed an unusual smell in the air. Certas Energy, the company managing the Gulf Lix Toll petrol station in Killin, confirmed that the spill came from damage to one of their fuel tanks, caused during an attempted diesel theft. A spokesperson revealed that equipment found on-site indicated an effort to siphon fuel, but full details about how the diesel entered the river and whether the leak has been contained remain unclear.

Environmental authorities, including the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), received multiple reports of the river contamination on Thursday evening. In response, Scottish Water shut down the water intake at the affected treatment works and has been actively monitoring the situation while working alongside NHS, Sepa, and other agencies. Approximately 500 properties are impacted, with water deemed unsafe for consumption—even boiling the water will not remove the contamination. To address the immediate needs of residents, water tankers have been dispatched to provide clean water, and door-to-door deliveries of bottled water have been arranged.

Community members and businesses have felt the effects directly. Jayne Kerr, who manages Infinity Blu Dental Care in Killin, explained the decision to close the dental practice due to concerns about contaminating the water systems and equipment. Village resident Charlie Grant shared his experience of discovering a strong chemical odor in his tap water early in the morning, prompting him to stop using it altogether. Additionally, local fishing business operator Rob Jamieson reported witnessing the visible fuel slick and strong diesel smell along the riverbank. Stirling Council is actively coordinating with Scottish Water and Sepa to better understand the scope of the problem and has advised residents to stay updated through official channels. An information support point has been established at McLaren Hall in Killin to assist affected customers

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