Public urged to have say in Scottish Water plans

Scottish Water today launched a consultation encouraging customers to voice ideas and opinions on the future of water services in Scotland up and till 2040.


The consultation document identifies potential challenges and opportunities such as climate change, population change and developments in science and technology, which could arise in the next 25 years.

Scottish Water is encouraging customers to voice ideas and opinions on the future of water services in Scotland up and till 2040, through a consultation launched today.

The utility has asked to hear customers’ views on the extent to which it should prioritise taking steps to protect water supplies from service interruptions and reduce flooding.

In addition, customers have also been encouraged to ask about future charge levels and the extent to which they would like to see service improvements in return.

Douglas Millican, interim chief executive of Scottish Water said: “We need to think now about the challenges and opportunities that may arise between now and 2040, as well as steps we might need to take to ensure water services and supplies are resilient and continue to be of the highest possible quality for all our customers – from Stranraer to Shetland.”

One of Scottish Water’s proposals is to explore the development of new water connections between supply systems for larger communities.

Millican added: “We are developing plans to ensure water services in Scotland are ready for the future. This is absolutely essential so that we can continue providing high quality drinking water to customers, protect and enhance the environment, support the economy and communities and invest in future water services.

“For example, we are exploring the development of new water connections as a possible way of ensuring we can supply all customers with water – wherever and whenever it is needed.

“While Scotland generally has plentiful supply of fresh drinking water, there can from time to time be challenges such as periods of dry weather in parts of the country. New connections could help us move water around more easily to where it is needed.”

Conor McGlone

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