The Scottish Greens have pledged to stop the pollution of Scotland’s waterways with new legislation.
The proposed Clean Water Bill would aim to ensure all of Scotland’s rivers and lochs are clean and safe for nature, swimming and recreation.
The Bill would enforce a requirement of 100% monitoring of sewage overflows and set statutory requirements for action when pollution is recorded.
It would also place tighter controls on chemicals used in and around waterways.
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay said: “Scotland’s rivers and lochs are world renowned. They should be clean, safe and thriving places where wildlife can flourish, families can swim without worrying about pollution, and where communities can take pride in the nature around them.
“But for too long, our rivers, lochs and beaches have been neglected while big polluters have been allowed to get away with damaging and poisoning some of Scotland’s most precious places for their own financial gain. That has to end.
“Our Clean Water Bill will put polluters on notice. It will finally bring in proper monitoring of sewage overflows, and tougher enforcement with real consequences when the rules are broken.”
According to the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland, more than 30 billion litres of raw sewage was discharged from sewer overflows into Scotland’s waterways in 2024.
Healthy rivers and lochs are vital for nature, flood protection, our climate and people’s wellbeing
Ms Mackay continued: “When our rivers, lochs and beaches are being polluted, people have a right to know, and those responsible must be forced to clean up their mess.
“Healthy rivers and lochs are vital for nature, flood protection, our climate and people’s wellbeing. They must be protected for everyone, not sacrificed for private profit or weak regulation.
“If we want to get this vital Bill passed in the next Parliament, we need more Scottish Green MSPs in Holyrood to ensure it becomes law.
“Every vote for the Scottish Greens on May 7 is a vote to clean up Scotland’s rivers, protect our wildlife and build a country where people and nature come before polluters.”