Water in HQ and Annex - Latest update 8th August
08/08/2025
Updated 10pm, Friday 8th August
Please note Scottish Water have confirmed all water in the council HQ and Annexe buildings is safe for drinking. Thank you for you patience during this time.
Updated 12.30pm, Thursday 7th August
Thank you to everyone for your patience as the water supply for toilets was causing issues in HQ. The water supply has been fully restored and the toilet systems flushed through - the HQ facilities are back up and running and open for all staff as of now (12.30pm Thurs 7 Aug).
While water from the taps has been deemed safe to drink throughout this period, it is part of our protocol to test water when there has been disruption to supply. We expect these results back on Friday, bottled water has been provided in the Annexe, HQ and Rose Cottage for anyone in the building on Thursday afternoon and Friday as a precautionary measure.
Thanks go to the property and facilities teams for dealing with the practicalities of having a restricted water supply and for keeping the Annexe going, as well as our Environmental Health team for their advice. Your co-operation with the closedown of HQ is also appreciated and highlights the great adaptability of our teams, thank you.
Updated 4pm, Wednesday 6th August
Following the earlier closure of HQ due to water supply issues, please note that HQ will remain closed on Thursday 7 August while work is carried out to test supply and flush through the system.
Managed access will only be available to those with prior arrangement through line managers. Access to the Annexe building remains available and toilet facilities are also available there.
Please also pass this notice on to colleagues who may be due in tomorrow and haven't seen the updates.
Our Environmental Health team has confirmed that water safety has not been impacted, albeit the water may look unpleasant, and the lack of water for the toilets has been due to the external factor of water being used to tackle the Moycroft fire.
Once the system is flushed through to remove debris, sampling carried out and toilets have all been checked for water levels on Thursday, a further update will be issued with regards to access to HQ on Friday.
If any other council building has water issues please report them in the usual way through the helpdesk. Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.
Updated 11:30am, Wednesday 6th August
Due to a lack of toilet facilities in HQ this building will close from 12.30pm today (Wed 6 August) and remain closed on Thursday 7 August. This is due to water supply disruption due to the fire service using water to tackle a significant fire at Moycroft.
Toilet facilities are available in the Annexe in the meantime and staff unable to work from home or a suitable alternative location are advised to discuss this with their line manager to arrange space in the Annexe or another council building.
While water is safe to drink it may not palatable and it is recommended to use bottled water for the time being. Water in the Annexe is not impacted due to being tank supplied.
If there are water issues in other council buildings in Elgin please report these through the helpdesk in the usual way.