Dismay as low water levels at Perth's South Inch Pond continue

-Credit: (Image: Perthshire Advertiser)
-Credit: (Image: Perthshire Advertiser)


Perth residents have expressed exasperation at the continued depleted condition of the South Inch Pond.

During the summer months they were dismayed to see birds wading through mud instead of paddling in water at the dried up pond.

Perth and Kinross Council said at that time that the problem was due to a broken pipe as well as a pipe blockage,

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Repairs had taken place, the local authority added, and the pond would refill once the Craigie Burn which feeds it is high enough.

Perth residents however feared that the water was so low at that stage that it would take a long time to refill.

Expressing disappointment this week on social media, they pointed out that the pond had not returned to usual levels.

One said: “[It doesn’t] look like a boat would float. [A] duck might be waddling instead of paddling.”

Perth City South councillor and PKC climate change and sustainability committee vice convener Liz Barret, pictured, said the situation had improved in October after the summer months.

She commented: “I’ve been continuing to monitor this, as are the council.

“The situation certainly did improve after August, as water levels in the Craigie Burn increased after being low all summer.

“PKC are finding out whether there is a way to increase the flow from the Craigie Burn, without it being blocked by silt or impacting flood risk.

“The long period of the pond being dry may be down to climate change, but on the upside, it provides more capacity to take flood waters in the area.”

A PKC spokesperson said: “The current, prolonged spell of dry weather and lack of sustained rainfall has delayed the refilling of the pond, as a significant level of water is needed in the Craigie Burn to pass through the drainage pipes and enter the inlet.

“The Council recognises the concerns being raised and we are continuing to monitor the South Inch pond on a regular basis.”