Meadowhead, Ayshire

Flood Prevention

Environment Protection

Weholite attenuation system improves the quality of local rivers’ bathing water.

Overview

The Meadowhead and Stevenston Stormwater Transfer project is a critical component of Scottish Water’s long-term commitment to improving water quality across the Kilmarnock and Irvine areas. Tackling the issue of Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), which lead to untreated sewage and stormwater entering natural watercourses during periods of heavy rain, this project focuses on enhancing the resilience of the drainage infrastructure. The initiative is designed to reduce pollution in key water bodies such as the River Irvine, Kilmarnock Water and Irvine Bay, which play vital roles in the local ecosystem and provide recreational and industrial value.

What We Did

SDS supplied a Weholite HDPE pipe solution to manage stormwater and increase foul water storage capacity. The system includes a 10 million-litre stormwater storage tank, made up of 16 Weholite pipes, each 96 metres long. This tank captures stormwater during heavy rainfall and pumps it forward for treatment. Installed underground, it had minimal visual impact, allowing the land to be returned to agricultural use and preserving valuable floodplain capacity. The Weholite solution was far quicker to install than an alternative concrete tank system, completing in just three months instead of fourteen.

Results

The stormwater attenuation system has successfully addressed nine CSO pollution points and supported the construction of two new stormwater interceptor sewers. The scheme is the largest of its kind in the world and has led to significant improvements in water quality in local rivers and coastal waters. The project has received multiple awards, including RoSPA Gold Awards and recognition from the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

In addition to improving water quality, the project supports environmental sustainability by mitigating flood risks and enabling local communities to access cleaner water. This has a positive effect on more than 80,000 residents in the area, who benefit from both the enhanced quality of water and a more robust infrastructure capable of managing extreme weather events. Scottish Water’s investment in this project exemplifies its dedication to creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for the people it serves.