Following the second driest summer in 160 years in some parts of Scotland, storage levels in reservoirs fell to record low levels.

Scottish Water is again calling on people across Scotland to use water efficiently as storage levels in reservoirs are at 66%, the lowest recorded for this time of year since 2003.

More dry and warm weather is forecast next week and, while there might be some rain in September, the long-range forecast is for further dry weather in October and November.

Although demand for water has eased since the height of summer, it remains up to 100 million litres per day above average, which is enough to fill 50 Olympic-sized swimming pools or 1.2 million baths. 

While there is no suggestion of restrictions being imposed, Scottish Water is repeating its call for customers to help protect normal water supplies by using water efficiently in their homes and gardens by doing things like using a watering can instead of a garden hose, not using jet washers, avoiding using paddling pools, turning the tap off when brushing teeth, and using washing machines and dishwashers only when fully loaded.

In some areas, the warm weather and low reservoir levels have also caused an issue with seasonal, naturally occurring manganese and discoloured water.

Kes Juskowiak, Scottish Water’s Water Operations General Manager, said: “People might assume that, because we are at the end of summer, Scottish schools are back and there has been some heavy rain recently, there is no longer an issue with water supplies.

“That is absolutely not the case and maintaining normal supplies remains a massive challenge for us.

“We thank customers for using water efficiently when we asked back in July as we did see a reduction in the spike of over 200 million litres extra being supplied each day. 

“However, demand remains between 50 and 100 million litres higher each day than the average for this time of year and our water storage and resources are low due to the continued generally dry weather.

“We can’t do anything about the low rainfall, but customers can continue to help us by using water efficiently.

“If people across the country - residents and visitors or holidaymakers - can take some small, simple steps to reduce their water use, they can make a big contribution towards our efforts to maintain normal supplies for everyone.”