Experts at the University of Dundee are warning that Scotland is ‘vulnerable’ to water scarcity and are calling for immediate action to tackle the issue.

The warning comes 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 continued:

“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 Scotland’s water resources at a national scale, as well as recommendations focused on the behavioural change needed.

Another researcher on the team, Dr Richard Gosling, also of the University of Dundee’s Division of Energy Environment and Society, added:

“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.  

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.”

Click here to download the full report