Lockdown families told to use less water
HOUSEHOLDS across Scotland are being urged to conserve water as dry weather and the coronavirus lockdown threaten a drought.
Household water usage has soared to a record level.
Last month, every person in Scotland used an average of 198 litres (43.5 gallons) of water a day through showers, washing hands, cooking, cleaning and gardening – up 20 per cent from 165 litres.
Meanwhile, a long spell of warm, dry conditions has meant reservoir water levels have dropped by 8 per cent in just two weeks to 83 per cent of capacity.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has now placed the mainland on early warning of drought conditions by summer.
With Water Saving Week beginning tomorrow, householders are being asked to refrain from using hosepipes in gardens to help preserve stocks.
Rainfall was already low in March before last month became the sunniest and third driest April on record, based on statistics going back to 1929. Only 1.1in of rain fell during the entire month.
On Friday, Sepa published its latest ‘water scarcity report’, which paints a bleak picture for farmers and gardeners.
It states: ‘April has seen extremely dry conditions across most of Scotland, other than Orkney and Shetland. This has affected river flows, which are low across the majority of the country, especially in the West.
‘It has also affected ground conditions, which are quite dry nationally, and dry in the South and East.
‘Groundwater levels are continuing to fall but are still within the normal range for this time of year for most areas except the NorthEast of Scotland, where levels are at an historic low.’
Sepa added: ‘Some rain is forecast over the next few days, however, it is unlikely to lead to relief of the dry conditions.
‘Any prolonged dry weather will result in further reductions in river flow and groundwater levels, and drier ground conditions, over the coming weeks.’
Last month’s water use by Scots of 198 litres per head is the most ever recorded by Scottish Water.
With no work to go to for many, Scots are getting up later, with a peak in water consumption at 9.45am as they shower later.
Scottish Water has said it is still vital for people to follow government advice on rigorous handwashing to counter the threat of contracting coronavirus.
However, chief executive Peter Farrer said there are ‘lots of ways’ that water can be saved.
He added: ‘Following tips like collecting rainwater to water plants, turning the tap off when brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers and using a bucket and sponge rather than a hose to wash the car can help reduce water wastage and keep more water in our natural environment.
‘With climate change, rainfall patterns are set to become less reliable and the risk of prolonged dry spells is increasing.
‘It is becoming increasingly important that we treat water as a precious natural resource by reducing what we waste.’