Volunteers have launched an ambitious project to curb an algae problem that blights an Angus beauty spot almost every year.
Keptie Friends, a sub-group of Arbroath in Bloom, want to bring the Nolt Loan Well back into use. Until 1908 it provided Arbroath with its only public water supply.
They want to re-use the supply — which currently seeps its unhindered way to the sea — to tackle the unsightly scum which blooms on Keptie Pond in warm temperatures.
The pond leaks at an average of 22,000 gallons per day and when water levels are low in summer water temperatures rise and when high nutrient levels are present algae flourishes.
The problem is tackled by diluting nutrient levels by maintaining a high water level and maintaining a throughput of fresh water. However mains water comes at an unsustainable cost.
George Park from Keptie Friends said: “Before an engineering design can be formulated, it is necessary to determine the condition of the infilled well.
“Keptie Friends have received consent for, and are prepared to undertake the shallow excavation required to expose the well rim, assess the condition of brickwork, and afterwards restore the area.
“Subject to a satisfactory survey, it would be our intention to raise funding for the excavation of the well, and for the installation of a power supply, underground pump station, and associated pipework.”
A first well was sunk in 1870 at what is now the junction of Rose Street and Roseberry Place before a decision was taken to stop digging and to erect a 6,000 gallon tank and support structure.
A second well was sunk at what is now the entrance to the park at Keptie Pond, linked by a tunnel to a second, similar, well at what is now the junction of Warslap Avenue and Inchcape Road.
The pumping station was built over the Nolt Loan well and the water was pumped to the new water tower on the top of Keptie Hill.
Mr Park said: “As Arbroath expanded to higher ground and the demand for water increased, the capacity of the tanks was found to be insufficient, and after the provision of a gravity system from the Noran Water was completed in June 1908, the pumps fell silent.
“The material taken from the well was filled back in, with everything underground left intact. Keptie Pond is completely isolated from the underground water supply.”
Fellow volunteer Jean Stewart said: “The pond seems to tug at the heart-strings of many people home and abroad.”
