Drought: Scottish Water monitoring borehole levels in Tiree

The prolonged spell of largely dry weather experienced in Argyll and in other parts of Scotland is predictably causing concern out in the Atlantic on the sunshine Isle of Tiree.

Scottish Water, which has had to tanker supplies to Tiree in previous drought and has already had to do this for Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, is taking action. It is focusing on ensuring that drinking water supplies are maintained to local residents and visitors following months of extremely dry weather.

The prolonged conditions have resulted in groundwater levels lower than normal for this time of year in the six boreholes that supply the island.

Scottish Water is monitoring the borehole levels daily and is raising awareness of the situation among residents and visitors by writing to the island’s 400 households, giving advice on how to use water wisely.

Businesses will be also kept informed to ensure Tiree’s important visitor economy is sustained during the extremely dry weather.

Residents will receive a Save-a-Flush bag, a special device which when placed in a toilet cistern can greatly reduce the amount of water needed in the bathroom.

John Rae, Scottish Water General Manager, says: ‘Our priority is to ensure customers continue to receive clear, fresh drinking water at all times. The extremely low rainfall and Tiree’s particularly dry and sunny microclimate mean behind the scenes we are taking action to manage supplies so our customers are not affected. This has been the driest first six months of the year since 1941.

‘We constantly monitor leakage on the island and are doing a thorough sweep of the network to see if any further savings can be made’.

In continuing widespread concern  for water supplies, a hosepipe ban has been introduced today (7th July) in North West England.

How to use water wisely

There are many small changes customers can make in their daily routine that make a real difference – simple things like taking a shower instead of a bath or installing a water butt in the garden to collect rainwater for plants.

Scottish Water’s website provides lots of tips on water efficiency.