BOTTLED water distribution points have been set up in Inverclyde tonight to help customers cut off after ice blocked the treatment works in Greenock.

Battery Park and the Waterfont Leisure Centre in Greenock are both operating as emergency points.

Traffic jams have built up already on the approach to the Battery Park.

https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/news/19088927.tankers-drafted-13-000-homes-lose-water-due-ice-emergency/

Details of further distribution points will be released by Scottish Water as they become available.

Engineers are working to restore water production after ice blocked an intake from Loch Thom.

Divers have been deployed in the loch and have made progress with clearing the submerged intakes of ice.

Engineers have also reconfigured the water network to reduce the area served by the Water Treatment Works to a minimum.

The problem is affecting approximately 13,000 homes and businesses in Greenock, Gourock, Inverkip, Wemyss Bay and Skelmorlie.

Extra drinking water has been brought into the area by road tankers to maintain supply to homes and businesses via the water network where possible.

Bottled water is also being distributed to customers on Scottish Water’s Priority Service Register in addition to the drive-through bottled water distribution points open at the Waterfront Complex and Battery car park.

Scottish Water’s team at the bottled water distribution points will be following guidelines to maintain social distancing and work safely during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Customers attending to collect bottled water are asked to remain in their cars and follow the advice of staff on site.

A spokesperson for Scottish Water said: “Our team has been working over the course of the day in challenging conditions to restore normal production of drinking water at Greenock Water Treatment Works. Efforts are continuing with divers making progress with clearing the intake at Loch Thom.

“With reserves of stored water in the network diminished, we expect some customers will experience disruption to their supply. We have put plans in place to provide alternative water supplies and support for customers in the area, should they lose supply.

“We would like to apologise to customers for the inconvenience that this is causing. We continue working to restore normal service as quickly as possible and to provide support for affected customers in the meantime.”