Water scarcity warning prompts Highland Council and Scottish Government emergency bottled water planning for Highland homes with private supplies

A water scarcity warning across Scotland has prompted a Highland Council alert to householders with private supplies.

The local authority is also launching an emergency bottled water scheme in collaboration with Scottish Water and the Scottish Government.

After an unusually dry start to 2025, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has placed the nation on an ‘early warning’ for potential water shortages.

In response, Highland Council’s environmental health team is recommending that consumers on private water supplies use water responsibly, check the water system for leaks or contamination risks and plan for alternative supplies should shortages strike.

Properties without a Scottish Water mains water connection are considered to have a private water supply, typically in more remote and rural areas.

The council is also warning that private supply consumers unable to maintain water treatment systems should boil their water before drinking or cooking with it, as well as brushing teeth.

The Emergency Bottled Water Scheme would see the council provide eligible consumers in domestic properties with a temporary supply of free bottled water.

Commercial buildings, farms, equestrian facilities and other livestock are not included in the scheme, although SEPA may be able to offer support for farmers.

Support and advice on private water supplies is available from the environmental health team on 01349 886606 or email envhealth@highland.gov.uk.

Patricia Sheldon, Highland Council’s senior environmental health officer, said: "It's very reassuring that, with the help of the Scottish Government, the council can provide bottled water to support our communities and individuals who are experiencing water scarcity problems with their domestic private water supplies.

"We have recently received a number of calls from vulnerable persons and families concerned about their water supplies.

“We should all strive to use water responsibly, especially if you get your water from a private water source.

“To address short-term solutions to their water consumption demands and to consider longer-term solutions to improve the supply, I would encourage anyone who has concerns about their private water supply to contact us.

“The Council is helping where we can.”

More information can be found here:

Scottish Government -Private Water Supplies

Drinking Water Quality Inspector - Private Water Supply Information

SEPA - Water Scarcity

Scottish Water - Water Saving Advice

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