Highland Council advises wise use of private water supplies
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Landlords whose tenants are fed water from private supplies are being urged to remember their responsibilities amid the dry summer conditions.
Low water levels have been experienced on many rivers and burns as a result of the exceptional weather.
And Highland Council has reminded owners of private water supplies and landlords of tenants on private water supplies that it is their responsibility to arrange for the provision of water to their properties.
It issued the reminder after its environmental health team received calls from a number of people to warn that their supplies were drying up.
The council warned that it is not required to provide water in these situations but that the responsibility is that of the owner or landlord.
It added that its environmental health team will offer advice and possible grants to bring medium to long term improvements in the private supply, including improving the volume of the supply or storage.
It can also request Scottish Water to assist but full costs will be recovered from the owner or landlord. It warned that these costs are significant and it is usually cheaper for people to buy water from supermarkets or arrange bowsers through a private company.
“Our environmental health officers have been in discussion with Scottish Water and the drinking water quality regulator on the current situation and will continue to monitor it,” said a spokeswoman for the council.
“Given the prolonged dry weather, all users of water are advised to use water wisely.
“This includes using a shower instead of a bath, use full loads in washing machines/dishwashers, use a watering can in the garden instead of a hose, and if you must wash your car use a bucket instead of a hose.”
Further advice on water efficiency is available on the Scottish Water website at www.scottishwater.co.uk/you-and-your-home/your-home/water-efficiency
