Geological experts examining the terrain beneath the surface at St John's Hospital in Lothian think they have found underground wells which could provide up to 500,000 litres of fresh water a day.
This would allow St John's Hospital, which presently takes in laundry from all hospitals in the region, to be almost self-sufficient in water.
George Curley, head of estates at NHS Lothian, said the project is at a very early stage and the trust was currently considering how to proceed.
"We are looking to develop a test well, which is estimated to cost £70,000,” he said. “The data suggests a well could produce between 200,000 and 500,000 litres of water a day, although it is not yet clear what treatment might be required to make that water fit for use.
"The bore hole - together with the existing system of collecting rainwater - has the potential to provide all of the water needed by the laundry at St John's."
