The works will be visible - but the lasting benefits will be more so.
Scottish Water is about to begin work to improve the water quality along a key stretch of the River Kelvin.
The £2.5m scheme will involve three large holes being dug to improve sewers in and around Kelvingrove Park.
The project will take two years to complete but should improve life for residents and wildlife at the end of it.
Ruaridh MacGregor is Scottish Water’s corporate affairs manager.
He said: “Scottish Water is delighted to be starting this key project which will benefit the natural environment in these parts of the West End of Glasgow for many years to come.
“The investment, which is part of our ongoing improvements to the Greater Glasgow area’s waste water infrastructure, has been carefully planned, in liaison with all stakeholders, and we will do everything possible to minimise any disruption during our work.
“After engaging with the River Kelvin Angling Association during the early stages of planning for the project, we listened to their views and confirmed that we would relocate one of the overflow pipes further downstream."
Three new Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) with screens will reduce the frequency and volume of waste water spillages in storm conditions.
This will help improve the river water quality for the benefit of wildlife such as kingfishers, herons and water voles.
The project forms part of Scottish Water’s £250m, five-year programme of work to improve river water quality and the natural environment across the Greater Glasgow area.
The three key locations are; Otago Street/Otago Lane, Westbank Quadrant and near the bandstand in Kelvingrove Park.
Most of the work is expected to be completed by spring 2019. However, work in the Westbank Quadrant area will be carried out over a period of six weeks this summer, another six week period in summer next year and the final work at this location is scheduled to begin in summer 2020.
The work will be carried out for Scottish Water by amey Black and Veatch (aBV).
Paul Milligan, Regional Communications Manager for aBV, said: “As this work is close to Hillhead Primary School, aBV and Scottish Water have been liaising with the school and Glasgow City Council, keeping them and local businesses updated on our plans.
'VITAL UPGRADE'
"The work at the school will be carried out during the school summer holidays to minimise any inconvenience to the school, its staff, pupils and parents.”
Local councillor Martha Wardrop welcomed the start of the project.
She said: "This investment can provide long-term benefits to the River Kelvin by improving river water quality and promoting our diverse natural environment.
"It is a vital upgrade of the local waste water management provision to tackle local residents' concerns about pollution of our river".
Discussions are ongoing to determine what further improvement work is required for the second stage of the project, which will involve similar investment in other parts of the West End.
