The deadline is nearing to submit comments in response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on its proposed principles and considerations in developing policy for the future of the water industry in Scotland in response to the climate emergency.

The public is being asked for views on the adaptation of Scotland’s water and wastewater services to address the impacts of climate change.

Climate change is impacting the availability and quality of water used for drinking, whilst intense periods of rain are leading to increased urban flooding.

Views are being sought on how Scotland could respond to the impacts, through measures such as reducing water usage, increasing storage and managing rainwater to protect the environment, economy and public health.

In March 2022 the Climate Change Committee (CCC) set out a series of recommendations in its independent assessment “Is Scotland climate ready? 2022 Report to Scottish Parliament Recommendations.”

In the report the CCC identified key areas where Scotland could make improvements as to how it could better adapt to climate change.

For the water industry it recommended the need to remove rainwater (often referred to as surface water) from sewers. It also recommended the need to become more efficient with the water that we use every day and the amounts that we lose through leaking pipes. Another recommendation asked that we look at the impacts of water scarcity, particularly for those who use small burns and streams for their drinking water, which are not part of Scotland’s wider public water supply, and are more likely to dry up.

The CCC also provided evidence for the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (UKCCRA) (2022) which details the key climate risks facing Scotland now and in the future. This includes risks to businesses from water scarcity and flooding, risks to health from poorer water quality and availability, risks to water infrastructure and public water supplies.

Following publication of the CCC report, the Scottish Government launched the consultation seeking the public’s views on the adaptation of Scotland’s water and wastewater services to address the impacts of climate change.

has considered how to address the risks and recommendations highlighted by the CCC - set out as choices that Scotland needs to consider in adapting to the impacts of climate change. The choices weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of acting now versus later.

They also consider the impacts of changing behaviours compared to the cost of building new structures and facilities such as reservoirs, bigger sewers and drains so that we can continue to use water services in the way that we do today.

Net Zero Secretary Màiri McAllan commented:

“Scotland is not immune from the impacts of climate change. In 2023 alone, we have experienced times of drought and storm. That’s why we are taking action now, for example through investing £42 million per year, as well as an extra £150 million over the course of this Parliament to manage our flood risks.

“But we know there is more to do, and the Climate Change Committee has made clear that Scotland needs to work harder and faster to adapt to climate change.

“Unless we take steps to adapt, more than half of Scotland’s population will be at risk of water scarcity by 2050 during very dry periods. Storms like Agnes, Babet and Ciaran have had a devastating impact on communities this year. Events like these will happen more often and if we don’t take action, leading to further flooding of communities, damage to properties and our vital water and wastewater infrastructure.

“As such, we must adapt. I urge everyone to read the consultation and to consider what we need to do as a society to adapt to the growing impacts of the climate emergency on drinking water, wastewater and drainage services. Your views are important and will inform our proposals for legislation.”

Launched in November 2023, deadline to submit comments to the consultation is 21 February 2024 – click here to access the consultation online.