Now Scots hosepipe ban on way as water crisis bites
Private supplies at risk as the heatwave continues
A HOSEPIPE ban could soon be enforced as many parts of Scotland face running out of drinking water.
Water bosses have disclosed that the exceptionally dry weather has left water levels running low throughout the country.
The dwindling supplies have prompted ministers to signal that a hosepipe ban might have to come into force if the heatwave continues.
The Scottish Government is also providing funding to councils and Scottish Water in an attempt to ensure that emergency supplies can be provided if taps run dry.
It said there is ‘significant scarcity’ of water in areas around the Deveron and Ythan rivers in the North East, while the rest of the North East, North Fife, Angus, West Galloway and Girvan in Ayrshire have a ‘moderate scarcity’ of water supplies.
The Isle of Arran and Moray are under ‘severe pressure’ to maintain water supplies.
Finance Secretary Derek Mackay and Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham have written to councils advising them that Scottish Water ‘has requested all customers use water wisely to reduce the demand and conserve supplies’.
PARTS of Scotland are in danger of running out of drinking water because of the exceptionally dry weather.
As the country continues to bask in the sunshine, SNP ministers admitted yesterday that supplies are running low in some areas.
The Government is providing funding to councils and Scottish Water in a bid to ensure that emergency stocks can be provided if taps run dry.
Ministers also signalled that a hosepipe ban may have to be considered in some areas if the heatwave continues.
It is estimated that nearly 4 per cent of Scotland relies on private water supplies and these are at the greatest risk.
Most come from springs and burns which are drying up.
Ministers revealed there is ‘significant scarcity’ of water supply in areas around the Deveron and Ythan rivers in the North-East, and ‘moderate scarcity’ in the rest of the North-East, North Fife, Angus, West Galloway and Girvan, Ayrshire.
Significant scarcity means there is evidence of drying river chan- nels, while moderate scarcity means river flows are very low.
In a letter to councils, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay and Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: ‘[Scottish Water] has requested all customers use water wisely to reduce the demand and conserve supplies.
‘It has issued more targeted advice to more severely affected areas such as Arran and Moray, where supplies are under severe pressure.
‘This prolonged dry spell is also affecting private water supplies which fall to local authorities to oversee. We are aware that a number of these are running dry or are not suitable for drinking water purposes. Given the unusual nature of the conditions, I am seeking your council’s help in ensuring that emergency supplies are provided to those communities and premises that become affected.’
Ministers said ‘additional funds’ will be made available to support emergency measures but have not provided detailed figures.
Last week, it emerged that emergency tankers containing up to 6,600 gallons were being sent by Scottish Water every day to areas which are running short.
Meanwhile, health advice service NHS24 has experienced a huge rise in calls about hay fever, sunburn and insect bites and stings.
To combat the latter, pest control experts advise households to drain ‘standing water’, such as paddling pools, because they provide perfect conditions for bugs such as horseflies, which can deliver painful bites.
‘A number of these are running dry’