Appeal to public to take steps to reduce water consumption

Over the two hottest days of the year so far, customers used an additional 200 million litres from their taps in their homes and gardens – the equivalent of 100 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Scottish Water is urging people across the country to help maintain normal water supplies by being as efficient as possible in how much they use every day.

The public water company is asking all customers to reduce unnecessary water use – especially in the garden:-

Use a watering can or water butt instead of a garden hose / sprinkler – hoses can use 1000 litres per hour (equivalent of 12 baths)

Water plants early in the morning or later in the evening – and you don’t need to water lawns which recover quickly from dry weather

Use a bucket and sponge rather than a hose / jet washer to wash the car

Avoid filling up large paddling pools which can take thousands of litres – re-use any water in them where you can.

Take shorter showers, turn the tap off when brushing teeth and use washing machines and dishwashers only when fully loaded.

With more warm weather forecast and limited rainfall expected, customer actions in and around the home can help main supplies during the summer months.

The east of Scotland is one of the areas where levels of water use have increased. Other areas with an increased level of summer visitor numbers are also likely to experience higher than normal water use.

Kes Juskowiak, water operations manager, said: “We will continue to monitor our reservoirs and other water sources closely. Continued warm weather, a lack of rainfall and continued high use levels in the home and garden could put pressure on supplies in the days and weeks ahead.

“We are doing all we can to maintain water supply to customers. That includes moving water around the network and where necessary bringing in additional supplies to communities via road tankers. I would ask that householders take a few simple steps to use water efficiently and less wherever possible, particularly in the garden.”

"Combined with our operational adjustments to the network which supplies our homes, these actions can make a significant difference.”

Customers who require additional assistance can register online via the Scottish Water Priority Services Register at www.scottishwater.co.uk/priority and Scottish Water facts, tips and activities are available at www.scottishwater.co.uk/savewater.