HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS URGED TO MAKE NEW YEAR WATER RESOLUTION

30th December 2008

Leading environmental groups are backing Scottish Water's effort to get people in the Highlands & Islands to make a New Year resolution to become more aware of how their use of drinking water contributes to carbon emissions.

Head of Policy at WWF Scotland, Dr Dan Barlow, explained: "If Scotland is to tackle climate change, it's vital we reduce our emissions. Pumping and treating water demands huge amounts of energy. Reducing the amount of water used in the home will go some way to helping reach our target of cutting emissions by 80% by 2050."

The average Scottish household uses 143 litres of drinking water a day but only four per cent is actually used for drinking with 33 per cent used for flushing toilets. Water consumption has increased in last 20 years by six per cent and the average daily expected use by 2015 is 150 litres.

TACKLING LEAKAGE AND REDUCING EMISSIONS

Scottish Water has made a resolution to save water by reducing the amount that leaks from pipes and by investing in more efficient drinking water production plants across the Highlands & Islands. The utility recently doubled the number of engineers and technicians working on leakage to ensure that it remains a top priority for the business.

By using drinking water more wisely, Scots can help reduce the amount that Scottish Water needs to make, which in turn reduces energy requirements, costs and emissions. Simple tips are available at www.scottishwater.co.uk/savewater.

Chris Wallace, Director of Communications at Scottish Water, said: "There are lots of simple things that everybody can do in every household in Scotland. Only boiling the kettle with the amount of water you need, having a shower instead of a bath, washing the car using a bucket and sponge instead of going to the car wash or using a hosepipe - lots of simple but effective things everybody could do, to make a difference."

Meanwhile, Scottish Water Horizons, a recently launched commercial venture, has invited Scottish & Southern Energy to develop a pilot project that would see wind turbines on some Scottish Water sites to generate renewable energy and help reduce the utility's carbon footprint.

TIPS FOR AROUND THE HOUSE AND GARDEN

* Taking a shower instead of a bath can save up to 400 litres a week.
* Only fill a kettle to whatever level you need it - this also saves energy.
* Don't use your washing machine until you have a full load. The average wash uses about 95 litres and a full load uses less than two half loads.

* When washing the dishes fill a sink or basin with water. Dishwashers use 35 litres of water, where washing dishes by hand only uses six litres.

* Avoid using a hose wherever possible - use a watering can for the garden and buckets of water for washing the car.
* Install a water butt to collect rain for watering your garden.