Scottish Water has put out a call to consumers to save water where they can due to concerning water levels in reservoirs after a dry spring.
Reservoirs are said to be 28% lower than average for this time of year.
In the east of Scotland, average reservoir levels are down 2% this week to 53%, which is 28% below the average of 81% for this time of year there.
The company asks for everyone to save water in their homes and gardens despite heavy rains forecast in the next week or so. This will allow levels to rise again to protect normal water supplies for households and businesses, although the utility company admits that demand for water has gone down by around 50 to 60 million litres a day in the past week. This is enough to supply half of Fife with water for a day.
John Griffen, Scottish Water’s water operations general manager, said: “Although
there has been some rainfall, which we very much welcome because we need it, this
has not been prolonged or widespread enough to undo the damage to water
resources caused by month after month of dry weather since last winter.
“We’re working hard to maintain normal supplies for all customers and there is no
immediate threat to this, but we are again asking that they use water as efficiently as
possible to help us protect what is – even in Scotland – a precious resource.
“We still have significant challenges but if everyone does their bit it will undoubtedly
help. Customers might not think what they do individually will make any difference
but it absolutely does.”
Customers are asked to help by:
- Using water efficiently in the garden and outdoor spaces by using a watering can instead of a garden hose where possible and avoiding using sprinklers
- • Taking shorter showers
- • Turning the tap off when brushing teeth
- • Using washing machines and dishwashers only when fully loaded
- • Using a bucket and sponge rather than a hose to wash the car.
- • And checking for and repairing any leaking toilets
Scottish Water posts facts, tips and activities on social media to raise awareness about saving water and more information is available on the Scottish Water website:
www.yourwateryourlife.co.uk/save
Low reservoir water levels can expose deep mud, silt and soft ground which might look firm but is not safe to walk on. Scottish Water urges people to stay clear of reservoir edges.
