Retailers run out of water and businesses forced to close as large parts of Berwickshire wake up without running taps
Emergency supplies are being delivered by water tankers...
Last updated 27th Aug 2025
Emergency supplies of water are being delivered in tankers to Berwickshire High School in Duns after large parts of the county woke up without running taps this morning (Wednesday).
It comes after a fault was discovered at Rawburn Water Treatment Works, with reports a "disintegrated pipe" had sparked fears it could be contaminated.
Around 275 properties in the TD11 postcode area have been advised not to drink or cook with their tap water.
Scottish Water says its teams worked through the night to install overland pipes to bypass a section of damaged water main and, after cleaning one of the tanks, are now in the process of restarting the system.
The lack of water has forced some businesses in the area to close, while retailers have reported running out of bottled supplies to sell.
But Scottish Borders Council has messaged parents to say they expect all schools to remain open.
Local MP John Lamont said: "I've spoken to Scottish Water this morning and I'm afraid it's not going to get better any time soon; there are emergency water supplies coming.
"But if you still have water just now and you're in Berwickshire, it's likely the water will go off later today.
"Scottish Water have assured me they are working as fast as they can to get this situation resolved."
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Berwickshire Housing Association said parts of Duns, Eyemouth, Coldingham and Chirnside were among those who may experience no water, low pressure or intermittent water supplies throughout the day.
Local councillor James Anderson said: "We have a serious situation with our water supply across the region at the moment.
"It is all hands on deck at Scottish Water, and last report was they are asking for volunteers around the Chirnside area to deliver water to people.
"Water has been cut off across Chirnside and other villages as they work on the problem.
"Obviously this is a very concerning situation, however Scottish Water are working on the problem and we hope for an update soon."
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Duns-based childcare service Adventure Begins and charity shop BAVs Berwickshire are among those to have announced they have closed for the day due to the lack of water.
A spokesperson for Scottish Water - who acknowledge the situation must be "very inconvenient and distressing" - said: "Our investigations at the WTW have identified a damaged section of water main impacting on our treatment processes.
"Our teams worked through the night to install overland supply pipes to bypass this section of damaged water main, along with cleaning of our water tanks and are now in the process of restarting our treatment works and processes to restore water supplies.
"While we do this, our network is being supplemented with water tankers until we have our works back in full operation, however due to the low levels of water storage tanks and demand, this is causing a disruption to water supplies this morning.
"Customers in some rural parts of Duns, Eccles, Eyemouth, Coldingham and Chirnside, TD5, TD10, TD11, TD12, TD13, TD14 and TD15 may experience no water, low pressure or intermittent water supplies over the course of today.
"When the water supply returns to the above postcodes, customers can continue to use their supply as normal."
But it adds: "Customers in the below postcode areas (275 properties) have been provided with a DO NOT use notice. Throughout yesterday evening our teams went door to door to provide bottled water and precautionary notification DO NOT use letters and leaflets for drinking or cooking. This DO NOT USE notice will remain in place until we are satisfied through a series of sampling that the water has returned to our normal high standards."
Questions have been raised over how soon Scottish Water knew about the issue, which they say was detected on Tuesday afternoon, with reports of "endless tankers taking water into Rawburn" last week, despite there being a reservoir there.
Robert French, who lives in Chirnside, told Greatest Hits Radio: "I don't have any water at all so can't have a shower or brush my teeth or anything like that.
"I'm just not very pleased about the lack of information, I have heard nothing from Scottish Water about what's being happening.
"So I really hope they come out and tell us when they're going to sort it and if we're going to get help in Chirnside."
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Berwickshire councillor Mark Rowley revealed he's never seen a warning not to cook with water before.
But he's praising locals for rallying round to help each other.
"There was a huge amount of activity here in the Lammermuirs overnight with contractors and kit arriving and still continuing which is impressive," he said.
"Supplies to taps is sporadic across wider area and I’m hopeful Scottish Water will be updating my constituents in the 'do not use area' on the outlook later today, as some may need more bottled supplies if it goes into another day."
LATEST UPDATE: 'Do not drink' tap water warning lifted following day of disruption
He added: "Neighbours (are) often dropping off supplies, but a good reminder when this is over to encourage more people to register with Scottish Water's priority scheme, as some of the most vulnerable won't have access to online and email alerts."
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