SEPA urges Balloch community to help prevent water pollution
Date published: 09 July 2025
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is urging residents and contractors in Balloch, Inverness, to take immediate action to prevent water pollution, following repeated reports of unusual discolouration in Fiddlers Burn.
Reports submitted to SEPA across late May and several dates in June 2025 show concerning patterns of repeated pollution in the watercourse near Barn Church Road. Coloured discharges indicate contamination consistent with paint entering surface water drains.
The separated drainage system in Balloch is designed to manage foul water and surface water independently, with untreated surface water from hard surfaces such as roofs and driveways flowing to the local watercourse. Any pollutants present are discharged directly into the water environment, which can cause harm to aquatic life and degrade water quality.
Paul Griffiths, Unit Manager for Environmental Performance at SEPA said: “This is not an isolated pollution incident. The repeated nature and variation in colours suggest that either one or more households, or possibly a contractor, may be disposing of paint or similar substances into the surface water system. This not only contravenes environmental legislation but also poses a serious threat to the local ecosystem.
“The improper disposal of substances such as paint into outdoor drains can have damaging effects on environmental and human health. Over time, this kind of diffuse pollution contributes to a decline in water quality, harming not only plants and animals but also the wider community that values clean water and natural spaces.”
Diffuse pollution is the release of potential pollutants from a range of activities that, individually, may have no effect on the water environment, but can result in significant environmental harm collectively.
Any activity likely to cause diffuse pollution in the water environment must be carefully controlled and managed to prevent damage. The unauthorised disposal of chemical substances in the water environment is an offence under Scottish environmental law and can incur enforcement action.
Paul Griffiths added: “We are calling on all residents, contractors, and maintenance personnel working in the area to ensure proper handling of materials. Paints, solvents, and other chemicals must never be washed down surface water drains.
“We are committed to protecting Scotland’s water environment, but success relies on working together with communities. With local vigilance and responsible behaviour, we can safeguard Fiddlers Burn and our shared environment for future generations.”
Specialist paint disposal companies can assist with proper disposal and local community centres may accept donations of unused paint. Some recycling centres may accept paint solidified with sawdust or cat litter.
SEPA encourages anyone who witnesses pollution or has information about its possible source to submit an online report at www.sepa.org.uk/report or call the SEPA Pollution Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
Notes to Editor
- Find more information about diffuse pollution, including advice and guidance on both urban and rural problems, on SEPA’s website.
- Find guidance about preventing water pollution on NetRegs' website.
- Find guidance on the disposal of paint used on construction projects on NetRegs' website.
- Find information on recycling paint and paint cans on Zero Waste Scotland’s website.