'Do not drink' tap water warning lifted following day of disruption
Last updated 27th Aug 2025
A warning to people living in parts of Berwickshire not to drink their tap water has now been lifted.
Scottish Water issued the advice as a precaution after damage discovered in a processing facility at Rawburn Water Treatment Works led to contamination fears.
Some businesses were forced to close their doors for the day, while shop shelves were stripped of bottles, and many locals were left unable to shower or brush their teeth for more than 24 hours.
Scottish Water confirmed emergency repairs have been carried out at the plant in the Lammermuir Hills, but that it could take "a number of hours" for the network to return to normal.
There has been some frustration in the communities affected - many of them rural - trying to find out exactly what's going on, but the water company insists everyone on its Priority Services Register has been contacted, with its customer care team on hand to deliver bottles of water.
A collection point was also set up outside the high school in Duns for most of Wednesday.
Additional bottled water collection points are available at: 21 Lammerview, Chirnside, TD11 3UN; Swinton Kirk, Main Street, Swinton, TD11 3JJ; Opposite Greenlaw Town Hall, The Square, Greenlaw, TD10 6UD; Langton Parish Church, Gavinton, TD11 3QT; and Eccles Village Hall, B6461 Main Street, Eccles, TD5 7QP.
Any customers experiencing discoloured water or "bits" in their tap water when it does come back on are being advised to run their cold kitchen tap at a reduced pressure until it runs clear.
In an update issued this evening, Keith Sinclair, Media Manager at Scottish Water, said: "Customers in the Duns, Chirnside, Eyemouth, Coldingham and Eccles areas might experience a loss of normal water supplies today due to a fault identified at the Rawburn Water Treatment Works, near Duns.
"The water network is being supplemented by water tankers across the area until the water treatment works is back to being fully operational.
"The recovery process is complex but our operational teams are committed to restoring customer supplies back to normal as soon as possible.
"As a precautionary measure, we temporarily placed a small number of properties (275) in the area surrounding Duns on a 'do not use' notice. We're pleased to confirm this has now been lifted, and customers can use their supplies as normal once restored.
"Our customer care team will revisit these customers to let them know the notice is no longer in place.
"We apologise for any inconvenience and thank those affected for their patience and understanding."
READ MORE: Police appeal for dashcam footage following head-on crash on A1 near Berwick
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.
The water company acknowledged the situation must be "very inconvenient and distressing" for all those affected.
READ MORE: Galashiels pensioner first in world to trial new power hub which could help end fuel poverty
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, speaking earlier.
"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."
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."
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/