Saltcoats Rising Sewer Main Upgrade
Project Overview
We are upgrading the rising sewer main between our pumping station in Saltcoats and treatment works in Stevenston in phases.
The multi-million pound project will protect the local caravan park, golf course, bathing waters and wider environment.
We have constructed a temporary overland pipeline to enable work to begin on the third phase of this major investment.
At A Glance
- To prevent future bursts and protect the environment
- Multi-million pound investment
- Delivered by Caledonia Water Alliance
Investment
The projects have been designed to dramatically reduce the risk of further bursts
What We Are Doing
This package of investment is being delivered in phases.
Phase one: Work to reline nearly a mile of the pipe was completed in October 2023.
Phase two: Work to reline nearly 500m of rising sewer main running underneath under the caravan park is nearly complete.
Phase three: The third phase of this investment project will involve replacing the existing wastewater pipe between the treatment works on Lundholm Road and Ardeer Primary School.
Phase two
The site compound for the second phase (light blue) is on land between Auchenharvie Golf Club and the caravan park
Why We Are Doing It
The Saltcoats rising main has burst on multiple occasions since 2022.
Our package of investment has been designed to dramatically reduce the risk of further bursts.
Phase one: A temporary pipe ran past the golf course
Phase two: The existing pipe was relined through access pits
Update August 2026
A temporary overland pipeline has been constructed near Stevenston beach in order to allow our teams to progress this multi-million pound investment project.
The pipe is fully functional and now carrying flows. This has stopped the discharge from Saltcoats pumping station and allows flows to be transferred to Stevenson point for treatment.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have confirmed that the precautionary advice against bathing at Saltcoats/Ardrossan bathing water has now been removed. Advisory signage will be removed by North Ayrshire Council. More information can be found here.
We expect the overland pipe to be in place for around six months while the permanent upgrade work is delivered.
Heras fencing is in place for public safety and we continue to liaise directly with local businesses.
We would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding.
