Scottish Water has today applied for a drought order in areas of Dumfries and Galloway as part of its ongoing strategy to manage the water supply in the region. The move follows what the company describes as “months of extraordinarily dry weather.”

Prolonged periods of low rainfall have affected water levels at Black Esk and Penwhirn reservoirs which supply customers in Annandale, Eskdale and Wigtownshire. Figures released by the Met Office show that in 2010, Scotland has experienced the driest January to June period since 1941. There have only been four other drier years since records began in 1910.

The drought order is part of a package of measures Scottish Water has introduced since the first indication of an issue with reservoir levels  The package includes intensive work by its operations team and a water resource team to conserve supplies and maintain normal service.

If granted, the order will allow Scottish Water to take actions such as modifying existing water management licences or abstracting water from other sources to supplement supplies. For example, a system could be set up at a nearby river to abstract water - this water is then pumped overland into a nearby reservoir to reduce the rate at which reservoir levels are falling to replenish the stock.

Scottish Water’s Customer Service Delivery Director, Peter Farrer, said:

“We have taken prudent steps to plan a range of actions should the lack of rainfall continue.

“We consulted with SEPA, the Fisheries Board and Scottish Natural Heritage before the formal application for a Drought Order was made and we are in constant dialogue with them.”

“Scottish Water is also continuing to carefully monitor and manage reservoir levels and look at alternative sources of water. We are also maintaining the ongoing leakage work across Dumfries and Galloway to ensure that any burst pipes are repaired quickly and efficiently.

Scottish Water is also advising that the recent burst of rain has not resolved the issue as a sustained period of heavy rainfall is required to start replenishing the reservoirs.

Mr Farrer added:

“We will not be imposing a hosepipe ban as part of these measures but we are appealing to customers to conserve supplies where possible and use a watering can or bucket for their gardens and washing the car. Even better is collecting rainwater in butts which can then be used to water plants in the garden – plants prefer natural rainwater."