Residents urged to ‘use water wisely’

Water supplies in South Uist, Lochmaddy, Stornoway and Tolsta have are lower than normal levels and residents are being urged to ‘use water wisely’.

Scottish Water say that the prolonged dry spell in May and June has led to some supplies dropping.

In the Western Isles 14.5mm of rain had fallen up until June 24. The normal in this area for the whole of June is 78.4mm.

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In view of this rainfall information Scottish Water is asking customers to be aware of how they use their water and to take some simple steps to use water wisely.

By making small changes to our habits we can significantly reduce water usage without compromising our quality of life. All people need to do is visit our website www.scottishwater.co.uk/savewater for advice, or call our Customer Helpline on 0845 601 8855.

While customers are encouraged to use water wisely at all times, they can be assured that Scottish Water is also continuously working to protect this precious natural resource. We are also able to put in place measures where necessary to maintain supplies if dry weather continues whilst balancing the stewardship of environmental aspects. Such measures to keep customers in water could include tankering and pumping water from one source to another. While the weather forecast ahead is uncertain we would ask customers to continue using water wisely throughout the summer.

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s Customer Service Delivery Director, said: “Less rainfall than normal has fallen in parts of the North West Highlands and some islands in recent weeks. This means that some water sources in the area currently have lower than normal water levels.

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“Customers can be assured that Scottish Water as a matter of course continually monitors all water sources to make sure customers have a constant supply of clear, fresh drinking water. As a result we are closely monitoring the current situation in specific parts of Skye & Lochalsh, the Western Isles and Wester Ross. This ensures we are in a position to boost supplies if necessary to ensure customers’ water supply is not affected.

“While we are continuing to monitor the situation and there is no reason for people to be alarmed, there are simple steps customers can take to reduce usage. By making small changes to our habits we can significantly reduce water usage without compromising our quality of life. All people need to do is visit our website www.scottishwater.co.uk/savewater for some simple steps on using water efficiently, or call our Customer Helpline on 0845 601 8855.”