Highland Council Prepares To Support Users Of Private Water Supplies That May Run Out Of Water

15th June 2023

Photograph of Highland Council Prepares To Support Users Of Private Water Supplies That May Run Out Of Water

The Environmental Health team has warned that some private water supplies in the region could run low due to lack of rainfall.

Some surface water supplies are particularly at risk and the Council is advising users of private water supplies to take preventative steps to preserve their drinking water.

In the Highlands there are over 2700 private water supplies that serves a population of approximately 40,000. These supplies are in rural areas where no treated mains water is available.

Officers are advising consumers to use water wisely and take time to check their private water supply system for any leaks and to monitor water levels.

Senior Environmental Health Officer Patricia Sheldon explained: "In recent days, we have received several reports of private water supply drying up or their source of water is exceptionally low. We are offering support to these users and would advise everyone to check their water supplies to try and conserve the use of water as best they can. Also think about a contingency plan in case you do run out of water such as buying some bottled water and speaking with any neighbours who may be able to offer water should you need it.

"While the Council is not responsible for the maintenance of private water supplies nor required to provide water, a lack of safe drinking water is a significant public health concern. It is for this reason that the Scottish Government has announced a Local Authority funded emergency water scheme for the supply of bottled water for drinking."

Bottled water is available to domestic households where their private water supply has run dry and where users are unable to make alternative arrangements.

Anyone who has concerns about their private water supply, and who feels they may need assistance can contact Environmental Health on 01349 886603 or email envhealth@highland.gov.uk and officers will try to assist.

Further updates will be issued on the Council's website and social media channels.

Drinking Quality Regulator for Scotland -
https://dwqr.scot/private-water-supplies/

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

29/1/2026 : Local Authority

Council Services Outsourced But Not Immune - Why High Life Highland Is Still Vulnerable to Budget Cuts

When Highland Council transferred responsibility for leisure, culture and community learning services to High Life Highland (HLH), the move was often presented as a way to protect valued local services from the worst of council budget cuts.   By placing libraries, leisure centres, swimming pools and cultural provision into a charitable trust, the council could take advantage of tax reliefs, external funding opportunities and more flexible operating arrangements.  

29/1/2026 : Local Authority

How Highland Council's Budget Decisions Expose Some Services More Than Others

Highland Council faces a set of financial pressures that are both familiar across Scottish local government and uniquely intensified by its geography, population size, and historic investment choices.   While headline debates often focus on council tax rises or total debt levels, the real impact of financial tightening is felt in how different services are protected, redesigned, or reduced over time.  

29/1/2026 : Local Authority

Which Services Are Most Likely to Face Cuts or Reductions At Budget Day

When budgets tighten in Highland Council, cuts tend not to fall evenly.  Some services are much more exposed than others because of how local government funding rules work and because of Highland's geography.  

29/1/2026 : Local Authority

How Highland Council Debt Affects Local Services

Highland Council's high debt connects to local services and council tax, in practical, day-to-day terms.   Council debt doesn't pay for services directly — but it affects them.  

29/1/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Debt Is One Of Highest Per Person in the UK

Highland Council has one of the higher levels of debt among Scottish local authorities, especially when looked at per person.  It is not necessarily the absolute highest in total debt compared with councils that have much larger populations like Edinburgh or Glasgow.  

29/1/2026 : Local Authority

 
Scotland's councils risk becoming financially unsustainable

Whilst councils have made significant savings, the cost of delivering services is rising faster than available funding.  This risks the financial sustainability of councils over the next three to five years.  

29/1/2026 : Local Authority

Asset Management is a catalyst for change for The Highland Council

At the Housing & Property Committee (Wednesday 28 January 2026), Members approved the introduction of a new framework to guide decisions on the future of its assets, supporting a more efficient, sustainable and future-ready approach to service delivery.  The Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) will help streamline the estate, embed new ways of working, and contribute to significant savings set out in the Council's Delivery Plan.  

29/1/2026 : Local Authority

Reduction in households in temporary accommodation and improved housing outcomes

At Housing & Property Committee (Wednesday 28 January 2026), The Highland Council reported a strong performance across several key housing indicators, including a reduction in households in temporary accommodation, improved repairs times, and the lowest level of rent arrears in three years.   New figures show that the number of homeless households living in temporary accommodation has fallen to 421, the lowest level recorded since The Scottish Government introduced this measure in April 2016.  

24/1/2026 : Local Authority

 
New facility for additional support needs pupils at Wick High School

Last week Wick High School was delighted to welcome guests from The Highland Council, Wick High Parent Council and the wider community to the open day of a new facility for children with additional support needs.   Avonlea, which was previously a residential unit, has now been repurposed, and this enhanced provision represents a significant step forward for pupils with complex additional support needs.  

21/1/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Registrars invite suppliers to 2026 Wedding Fair

Suppliers working in the wedding market are being invited by Highland Registrars to the third annual Wedding Fair.   The Highland Wedding Fair will take place on Sunday 15 February 2026 with public access from 11.00am - 3.00pm (suppliers will have access from 9.00am).