Lower than average rainfall means some private water supplies will not have been adequately replenished, as they usually would be by consistent and regular rain.
These water scarcity conditions may continue for an extended period.
As such, owners and users of private water supplies are advised to be prepared and identify any alternative temporary sources of water before reaching the point where water runs dry. This source could be through neighbours, friends or places of work.
To help minimise the impact that dry conditions may have on supplies, you should:
- Ensure your supply is secure with no leaks or breaches in the pipe network.
- Take timed showers. A shower of 5-10 minutes as opposed to a bath, is generally recommended to effectively cleanse the body while conserving water and energy.
- Ensure washing machines and dishwashers are fully loaded before switching on.
- Use harvested rainwater and used dish water for gardening use and avoid using hoses.
- Consider moving livestock to an alternative supply.
- Contact neighbours to discuss your contingency plan.
Scottish Government operates an emergency bottled water scheme in association with Scottish Water for domestic properties only. If your supply runs dry, please contact pws@angus.gov.co.uk for details and provision.
This emergency bottled water scheme is not a long-term option for supply users. A long-term solution can only be achieved either through:
- Making improvements to the existing supply.
- Finding an alternative or additional sources of water e.g. springs or surface waters that may be accessible to bolster the supply.
- Connecting to the mains water supply network if and where possible.
There is currently no Government support for trade premises or farms on private water supply. Farmers may wish to contact SEPA to discuss consent for additional abstraction if required.
While Angus Council is taking steps to raise awareness directly with owners and users of private water supply, we may not be aware of everyone concerned.
As such, we ask anyone who reads this notice, or who is alerted to this issue by a neighbour, and who it applies to, contacts us by email at pws@angus.gov,uk so we can update our records.
You can also update your supply details to allow us to communicate with you by email in future.
Scottish Government has information and advice concerning private water supplies.
Information on public water supplies and why water is always worth saving can be found at Scottish Water.
Sepa also has lots of information and advice about water scarcity.