'Concerning' reservoir levels prompt plea to save water

The Lintrathen Reservoir in north-west Angus is at a lower level than expected for this time of year

People in Tayside are being asked to save water because reservoirs serving Dundee and its surrounding areas are 40% below average for the time of year.

Scottish Water said new figures showed levels at the Lintrathen and Backwater reservoirs, which serve about 300,000 people, were much lower than usual.

The areas served by this reservoir system include Dundee and parts of Angus and Perth and Kinross.

Scottish Water said it was "concerning" that reservoirs in the East region were 55% full, with levels well below the expected average.

It said that despite recent rainfall, the region has had the driest year since 1973 and the 11th driest start to the year in 190 years.

Scottish Water said it was concerned that if these trends continue, the winter and spring refill will not sufficiently replenish levels.

In addition to asking customers to save water, Scottish Water's drought incident team has options including moving water between systems or taking it from additional sources, such as the River Isla.

The utility's water operations general manager John Griffen said: "Despite some recent rainfall, the current challenge dates back to last winter which didn't provide the recovery to our reservoir levels we had hoped.

"We're working hard to maintain normal supplies for all customers. However if we have another relatively dry winter and spring, we could face more serious supply challenges next summer.

"We need everyone to do their bit."

Customers have been asked to check for leaking taps and toilets in homes, take shorter showers, and use washing machines and dishwashers only when they are fully loaded.

Scottish Water added that its customers are using an average of 178 litres of water per person per day, compared to 137 litres in England and Wales.