Press release
Scotland is ‘vulnerable’ to water scarcity warn experts
Published on 22 April 2024
Immediate action must be taken to tackle water scarcity in Scotland, say experts at the University of Dundee
The warning was issued in a new report outlining research led by Dr Sarah Halliday, Reader at University of Dundee’s Division of Energy, Environment and Society, part of the School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law.
The report, published by the Centre of Expertise for Water (CREW) based at the James Hutton Institute, calls for behaviour changes around water usage to ensure Scotland is more resilient to periods of water scarcity.
Research conducted across the country revealed the risks water scarcity poses within Scotland and the actions needed to ensure we can adapt to and mitigate these challenges effectively.
Dr Halliday says the combination of prolonged dry periods, brought on by weather changes created through climate change, and an increase in water usage is leaving our nation vulnerable.
“There is a widespread misconception that water resources are always abundant across Scotland because it’s ‘always raining’, and this has led to this precious resource being largely undervalued,” Dr Halliday said.
“However, we are experiencing more extremes in our weather, and while this can result in very intense rainfall events, it can also lead to much longer periods of lower rainfall.
“Added to this we are also seeing the demand for water increase, which combined with periods of reduced available water, is increasing our national vulnerability to water scarcity.”
A typical domestic customer in Scotland now uses around 180 litres per day, which is ‘significantly higher’ than other parts of the UK and Europe, the report has revealed.
Impacts of water scarcity already being felt across Scotland
Over the past few years, some local authorities, such as Aberdeenshire, have had to deliver bottled water to homes where their private water supply has run dry and whisky distilleries have been forced to stop production for periods over summer due to water supply issues.
Some farmers have been prevented from taking water for irrigation purposes and some rivers have experienced flows so low that fish have perished.
Dr Halliday added, “With these impacts set to become more severe and widespread as climate change continues and water demand varies, it is critical we take proactive action now.”
The report details a range of specific recommendations related to improved governance and management of our water resources at a national scale, as well as recommendations focused on the behavioural change we need to see in respect of water.
Another researcher on the team, Dr Richard Gosling, also of the University of Dundee’s Division of Energy Environment and Society, said, “We need to find meaningful ways to allow people to connect their own water use behaviours to the water environments they love.
“It is imperative that we increase the value everyone places on our water resources if we are going to achieve the reductions in water use we need.
“By acting now to address the long-term risk of water scarcity we can not only protect our valued water sector but allow it to realise future opportunities and establish Scotland as an exemplar of sustainable water resource management.”
The report recommends proactive integrated water resource management which researchers say would provide multiple benefits across a range of national outcomes, including supporting development via a just transition to NetZero and addressing the biodiversity crisis.
The full report published by CREW can be read online.
Scottish Government welcomes the findings
Mairi McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy, said: “I welcome this study, which adds to the growing body of evidence reflecting that Scotland is increasingly affected by water scarcity, and would like to thank the research team at the University of Dundee and the Centre of Expertise for Water for their work.
“The Scottish Government is working at pace to ensure we adapt to, and mitigate the impacts of, climate change. For example, our recent consultation on water, wastewater and drainage included proposals for a national strategic water resource management plan and we are also increasing our support for those communities who depend on private water supplies and who can be particularly affected in times of water scarcity.
“However, this isn’t only an issue for government and the water industry but for the whole of society. This study rightly highlights the importance of behavioural change and we all have a part to play in protecting this precious resource from the effects of climate change by using water more responsibly.”
Photo showing dried up stream in field must be attributed to 'Carol Taylor, of James Hutton Institute'. Others can be 'contributed from University of Dundee'.
The project idea was developed by CREW in collaboration with Scottish Environment Protection Agency, NatureScot, Scottish Water, WICS, Consumer Scotland and The Scottish Government. The report was produced by a team of researchers from The University of Dundee.
Project Team: Dr Sarah Halliday, Dr Richard Gosling, Dr Iain Brown, Dr Andrew Black and Professor Sarah Hendry, School of Humanities, Social Science and Law and UNESCO Category 2 Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science, University of Dundee.
About CREW – Scotland’s Centre of Expertise for Waters
CREW aims to deliver research to protect and improve the water environment and engage with a wide range of information users and communities, to maximise the benefits of the research to society.
Funded by the Scottish Government, CREW is a partnership between The James Hutton Institute and Scottish higher education and research institutes. It is based at the Hutton’s campus in Aberdeen.