Scottish Water is asking customers in Stornoway to use their water wisely as a result of prolonged dry weather in the area.
The dry conditions have caused lower than normal water levels in Loch Mor an Stairr, which supplies Stornoway water treatment works (WTW).
As a result, Scottish Water will supplement this with water from nearby Loch Scarabhat Mhor.
Against this backdrop, the utility company is encouraging customers around Stornoway, Newmarket, Marybank, Point as well as from Tong to the end of Coll to take simple water efficiency measures to help maintain continued supplies to homes and businesses.
Scottish Water encourages people to:
· Turn off the tap when brushing teeth and shaving
· Take a shorter shower
· Use your washing machine and dishwasher fully loaded
· Boil the kettle with only the water you need
· Use a bucket of water instead of a hose to wash your car
· Use a watering can instead of a hose to water gardens and plants
Scottish Water is also asking businesses to consider their usage and how they can use water more efficiently.
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s chief operating officer, said: “We are encouraging everyone living and working locally to take simple steps to use water wisely. By doing so, we can significantly reduce water usage which also helps the environment, saves energy and ensures that we continue to provide clear, fresh water to customers in the area.”
To help customers use water wisely, Scottish Water has put together a free water saving pack which has some gadgets, such as tap aerators and shower timers, to save water in the kitchen, bathroom and garden.
Water shortage risk in Stornoway
20 June 2018
Affected areas are shaded in blue