Burn water

There are many prolific burns on the island and dwellings were traditionally located close to this precious resource.

All Coll's burns originate in the bogs of the wilderness areas at either end of the island. All burn water, therefore, shares the same attributes, meaning we all have the same issues in making our burn-water safe to drink.

Burn water is

  1. very acidic (~pH 5.9)
  2. loaded with bacteria
  3. loaded with heavy metals
  4. loaded with tannin

Each of these attributes must be addressed, the latter, tannin, isn't so much an issue in itself, tannin is quite harmless (it's in tea and wine). However, it prevents filtration being effective and it'll clog up your pipework, pumps, valves etc.

Removal of all four is necessary.

 

Burn water

Fresh, clean, inviting... but what's really lurking within?