Workers flush 18,000 litres of whisky into the sewers
News News blog
Whisky lovers must now keep their nerve: On 26 February 2013, workers at the Chivas factory in Dumbarton accidentally flushed 18,000 litres of whisky down the sewer.
Instead of discharging wastewater during cleaning operations on their night shift, maintenance workers flushed 18,000 litres of whisky down the sewer. They had mistaken the whisky for wastewater. Chivas distils Chivas Regal and Ballantine's, among others.
It was only when staff at Dumbarton's wastewater treatment plant smelled the alcohol that the mishap was reported.
"Our commercial wastewater team has now visited the company to get an overview of the investigation into the error so we can ensure all possible precautions are taken to prevent a recurrence," said a spokesperson for Scottish Water. "The discharge of large quantities of alcohol into the sewerage system can have a negative impact on wastewater treatment, particularly in dry, cold weather."
