Scottish Water issues call for residents to use water efficiently as they enjoy good weather during coronavirus lockdown

Scottish Water is asking customers to use water more efficiently in and around their homes during good weather and as more people work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It said UK Water Saving Week is an ideal opportunity for people to consider how they use water in their homes and gardens.

By taking small but simple steps, like taking shorter showers instead of baths and not watering gardens with hoses, customers can become more water efficient.

On average, each person in Scotland uses about 165 litres of water every day in and around their home.

The figure for April increased to 198 litres per person per day, the highest ever recorded, as a result of changing patterns of daily life during the Covid-19 restrictions, with more people at home.

The normal patterns of use have changed with the peak morning flow higher and coming later than usual, at around 9.45am. It lasts for about two hours.

Scottish Water continues to monitor levels at sources like reservoirs, lochs, rivers and boreholes from where water is taken before being treated and distributed to customers.

While it is essential that people continue to follow the Government advice regarding hand-washing, Scottish Water is reminding them to use water wisely.

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s chief operating officer, said: “There are lots of ways that we can safely save water in and around the home and there are many benefits of doing so.

“About one fifth of the average household heating bill is spent on heating water. By taking simple steps like turning the tap off when brushing your teeth and taking shorter showers, a family of four can save 0.7 tonnes of CO2 and over £100 in reduced energy bills each year.

“As well as reducing CO2 emissions and saving money, saving water can also help protect our water supplies and improve the environment.

“With climate change, rainfall patterns are set to become less reliable and the risk of prolonged dry spells is increasing, therefore it is becoming increasingly important that we treat water as a precious natural resource by reducing what we waste.

“Following tips like collecting rainwater to water plants and using a bucket and sponge rather than a hose to wash the car, can help reduce water wastage and keep more water in our natural environment, all while helping to reduce our carbon footprint."

From May 11 to 15, Waterwise, an independent not-for-profit organisation and the leading authority on water efficiency in the UK, is hosting Water Saving Week where they will be posting daily facts, tips and activities to raise awareness about why we need to save water. Scottish Water will be using social media to post daily tips to help you save water. More information on saving water is available here.

Julie Spinks, director of WaterSafe, which is partnering Waterwise for Water Saving Week, said: “While it’s important everyone uses the water they need to stay safe right now, we’re encouraging everyone to look at other ways they can do their bit this Water Saving Week.”

Mr Farrer added: “We are delighted to be part of the UK campaign again this year. Encouraging customers to be more water efficient has been an increasing focus of partnership work, communications and engagement to help people be more aware of how much water we use in everyday tasks and make the link between water and energy use.

“For example, we are also continuing to offer customers water saving advice throughout the year through our partnership with the Scottish Government service Home Energy Scotland.”

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