Private water supplies run low in north

Highland residents are being advised to use water wisely amid fears some private supplies could run low due to recent dry weather.

The region has 2,550 registered private water supplies, mainly rural.

Highland Council’s environmental health team is advising consumers to check their private supplies for signs of leaks or risks of contamination.

Officers say if the system is untreated, or cannot be maintained, householders should boil water before drinking, cooking and brushing teeth as a precaution.

The council, in partnership with Scottish Water and the Scottish Government, has set

“It’s important that we all look to use our water wisely”

up an emergency water scarcity scheme to help people access safe drinking water during the emergency period.

Private supply users eligible under the scheme can have bottled water delivered free. This is in addition to the council grant scheme of up to £800 to undertake longerterm improvements to private systems.

Highland Council senior environmental health officer Patricia Sheldon said: “It’s important that we all look to use our water wisely, particularly if your water comes from a private water supply.”

She encouraged anyone with concerns about their private supply to contact the council to discuss water consumption and longerterm plans to improve their water systems.

Scottish Water is monitoring public mains supplies and, while there are no immediate concerns, customers are asked to use water efficiently.