| The authority is so concerned at the lack of water at Backwater and Lintrathen reservoirs that they have sought a statutory drought order and are urging householders in the region to conserve as much water as possible.
The drought order, which has been sanctioned by the Scottish Executive, will help to maintain supply by allowing Scottish Water to take water from the River Isla to augment the reservoir system.
Backwater and Lintrathen serve 294,000 customers in Dundee and Tayside and there have been concerns about the levels of water supply at the site since last autumn.
As the reservoirs supply an area of high demand, it can take more than a full yearly cycle of rainfall for levels to return to normal.
In three crucial months between August and October last year, there was less than 30 percent of the average rainfall in Tayside and supplies at both Backwater and Lintrathen dropped significantly.
The problem was exacerbated by the fact that the long summer meant householders were using extra water to operate items such as garden sprinklers and hoses.
Scottish Water are now worried another dry summer could leave supplies dangerously low and they have already introduced a number of schemes to minimise water loss.
Among the initiatives being undertaken is the ‘Find’n’fix’ leak project and a programme that prioritises renewing water mains in the affected area.
A scheme that would see the linking of the mains system in Dundee with Perth — where there is plenty of water available — is also being looked at.
Ken Hutchison, Scottish Water’s operations general manager for the north-east region, today urged customers to play their part in protecting water supplies.
He said, “We have asked for, and been granted, a drought order to take water from the River Isla to augment the supply from Backwater and Lintrathen.
“We are also stepping up our efforts to tackle any leakage in the area.”
“These measures will reduce demand on the system, but it is important customers help us by taking simple steps to save water,” continued Mr Hutchison.
“For example, did you know that a sprinkler or hose uses around the same amount of water in an hour as a family of four does in two days.”
Scottish Water today offered several tips to householders as to how they could help conserve supplies. These include : Fixing dripping taps; Use a watering can instead of a hose or sprinkler in the garden; Use a bucket instead of a hose to wash your car; Take showers instead of a bath; Shut off the tap when you brush your teeth or shave; Leave washing machines and dishwashers until they are full before running them.
Further water efficiency tips are available from Scottish Water’s website at www.scottishwater.co.uk |
