Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham joined Scottish Water staff distributing water advice leaflets in Lockerbie, one of the many communities in Dumfries and Galloway which has seen water supplies dwindling after one of the driest periods recorded in decades.
Following her visit to the town, the Minister travelled to the Black Esk Reservoir to discuss the situation with water engineers and see first hand the diminished supplies.
Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham joined Scottish Water staff distributing water advice leaflets in Lockerbie, one of the many communities in Dumfries and Galloway which has seen water supplies dwindling after one of the driest periods recorded in decades.
Following her visit to the town, the Minister travelled to the Black Esk Reservoir to discuss the situation with water engineers and see first hand the diminished supplies.
Ms Cunningham said:
“Dumfries and Galloway has experienced some of the driest weather recorded in decades and despite the rainfall over the last week, reservoir levels in the area continue to be of concern.
“We are not in a drought situation but the low levels in the reservoirs mean that we need to take proactive steps to manage our water resources for the rest of the summer.
“Officials are working closely with Scottish Water and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on the terms of any Drought Order.
“Members of the public can also help by using water wisely. Instead of using a hosepipe to water the garden or clean the car, they could use a watering can or bucket instead. By working together we can maintain our supplies and protect the environment.”
Scottish Water has applied to Ministers for a drought order. A decision will be made by Ministers on the order once any objections have been considered.
If granted, a drought order will help Scottish Water to continue to supply its customers with drinking water by, for example, allowing them to take water from a new source to supplement supplies.
Officials are working closely with Scottish Water and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on the terms of any Drought Order
A hosepipe ban is not currently necessary because of the water saving measures being promoted by Scottish Water throughout this area.
Scottish Water has been working with the 22,000 plus households and businesses in affected area to encourage sensible steps to reduce water consumption and conserve supplies. These include using ‘save a flush’ bags in toilet cisterns and not using hosepipes to water gardens or wash cars.
The need for a hosepipe ban will be kept under review.