Hot Weather Prompts Water-saving Call as Demand Rises
22 July 2026.png?bc=Black&as=0&h=410&iar=0&w=775&hash=B8A545AE62E0E230E78C2A0A32014071 "Burst Main Flooding at The Kelpies")
Save Water
Aftermath of one of the recent significant bursts on a water main near the Kelpies and The Helix, Falkirk, that impacted water resources and had teams working round the clock
“With the warm weather set to continue, we're asking everyone to help by using water as efficiently as possible.”
Kevin Roy
Director of Water Services, Scottish Water
Scottish Water is urging customers to use water wisely as prolonged hot and dry weather drives high demand across Scotland, with domestic water use up by an average of 10 per cent.
Parts of Fife, the Borders and Ayrshire are experiencing the greatest pressure on supplies.
More than 40 tankers are currently transporting water across almost 20 locations to help maintain supplies, following a series of significant trunk main bursts and sustained high demand.
The response has helped protect customers in Fife, the Borders and the Forth Valley area from losing water supplies. Teams are also monitoring priority sites and are on stand-by to tanker resources where needed. Reservoir levels remain around average for this time of year.
Despite the exceptional conditions and the additional pressure created by several major bursts, disruption has been limited, with only small numbers of customers experiencing interruptions thanks to operational teams working around the clock, including to repair a burst on a pipe near Helix Park in Falkirk.
Kevin Roy, Director of Water Services at Scottish Water, said: "We're seeing sustained high demand for water across many parts of Scotland.
"Thanks to a tremendous effort from colleagues across the business, we've continued to maintain supplies for the vast majority of customers despite these challenging conditions.
"With the warm weather set to continue, we're asking everyone to help by using water as efficiently as possible. Small changes by lots of people really do make a difference, helping reduce pressure on local water supplies and keeping water flowing for communities across the country."
Customers can help by:
- using a watering can instead of a hose where possible
- watering gardens early in the morning or later in the evening
- taking shorter showers
- only using washing machines and dishwashers with full loads
- turning off the tap while brushing teeth
- fixing dripping taps
