Written Question · S6W-02514 · Session 6
Further to the answer to question S6W-01453 by Mairi McAllan on 23 August 2021, for what reason the response did not provide the informatio…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-01453 by Mairi McAllan on 23 August 2021, for what reason the response did not provide the information that was requested regarding what water conservation measures it has (a) introduced in the last five years or (b) plans to introduce, and whether it will now do so.
The answer
My response did seek to answer your question (S6W-01453) regarding the introduction of water conservation measures, however here is some further explanation.
To date, water usage has been controlled through SEPA abstraction licences, by Scottish Water investment in reducing leakage from its public water supply system, by the provision of advice and guidance to business and domestic water users, and via Scottish Water media campaigns . However more is required to encourage consumers to use water more wisely.
Leakage from the public water supply system has been reduced by over 55% since 2006 and Scottish Water achieved the economic level of leakage in 2013. This equates to a reduction in leakage from over 1,100 mega litres per day (ML/d) in 2006 to 463ML/d in 2021 (down from 495ML/d in 2016/17).
Work with Scottish Water’s non-domestic customers has been ongoing since long before 2014/15 to raise awareness of the importance of water efficiency and promote efficient water use to generate environmental and financial savings. The total reduction in volume of non-domestic water delivered between 2014/15 and 2019/20 was 7,961 mega litres (5.4%) and between 2015/16 and 2020/21, and 15,569 mega litres (10.7%) partly due to the impacts of COVID-19 on businesses.
The EU recast Drinking Water Directive, which we have committed to transpose by 12 January 2023, will provide an opportunity to look closely at water efficiency measures and leakage targets with a view to conserving water.
To date, water usage has been controlled through SEPA abstraction licences, by Scottish Water investment in reducing leakage from its public water supply system, by the provision of advice and guidance to business and domestic water users, and via Scottish Water media campaigns . However more is required to encourage consumers to use water more wisely.
Leakage from the public water supply system has been reduced by over 55% since 2006 and Scottish Water achieved the economic level of leakage in 2013. This equates to a reduction in leakage from over 1,100 mega litres per day (ML/d) in 2006 to 463ML/d in 2021 (down from 495ML/d in 2016/17).
Work with Scottish Water’s non-domestic customers has been ongoing since long before 2014/15 to raise awareness of the importance of water efficiency and promote efficient water use to generate environmental and financial savings. The total reduction in volume of non-domestic water delivered between 2014/15 and 2019/20 was 7,961 mega litres (5.4%) and between 2015/16 and 2020/21, and 15,569 mega litres (10.7%) partly due to the impacts of COVID-19 on businesses.
The EU recast Drinking Water Directive, which we have committed to transpose by 12 January 2023, will provide an opportunity to look closely at water efficiency measures and leakage targets with a view to conserving water.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-02514 by reference.