Glasgow's drainage system set for £250m revamp Glasgow's ageing drainage and waste water network is to be upgraded through a £250m investment. Scottish Water said the five-year project would be the largest of its kind in a century. About 200 outfall pipes - safety valves used to control waste water during heavy rainfall - will be upgraded on the River Clyde and its tributaries. Improvements will also be made in the south west of the city to remove excess surface water from known "pinchpoints." These can cause restrictions in the waste water system. Scottish Water said the project would transform the region's network into a modern and sustainable drainage system. The investment follows years of study by the Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership, which includes Scottish Water, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Glasgow City Council. Geoff Aitkenhead, Scottish Water's asset management director, said: "We are delighted to be starting this massive investment in the Glasgow area's waste water infrastructure, which will transform the network and make it fit for the 21st century, help protect the natural environment and meet the needs of growth and development." Nicola Sturgeon, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities, said: "This investment is essential to Glasgow's economic prosperity. It will improve the environment and ensure that new customers can connect to this essential public service. This investment is another critical step on the path to ensure that Scottish Water provides one of the best value-for-money water and sewerage packages in the UK.