For nearly a century the White Cart Water has inflicted serious flooding on homes and other properties on the south side of Glasgow. This shallow, fast flowing river is prone to flash flooding and only 12 hours of rain can raise water levels by 6 metres. More than 20 significant floods have taken place since 1908 and in 1984 over 500 homes were inundated.

Existing flood defences along the White Cart Water corridor are piecemeal and isolated. Major investment is required to protect properties not only from current flood risks but also from more frequent inundations expected as a result of global climate change.

The threat of repeated flooding also presents major insurance difficulties for householders, businesses and the local economy. At the end of 2002 the insurance industry withdrew its guarantee of affordable flood insurance in high-risk areas. The industry confirmed it would have to consider charging higher insurance premiums or even refusing flood cover altogether. This could result in property values being greatly reduced.