The way people in Scotland use water must change if we are to continue enjoying the healthy Scottish environment and adapt to climate change impacts.
The pressure we put on Scotland's water resources comes under the spotlight in a consultation report published today (9 October 2007) by the Scottish Environment
Protection Agency (SEPA).
The Significant Water Management Issues report highlights the threats to Scotland's water from both user demands and the consequences of climate change. It identifies the actions and improvements that are necessary to protect the quality and quantity of water available in the future. And, to this end, SEPA is seeking the views of everyone in Scotland on the proposed actions.
Dr Chris Spray MBE, SEPA's Director of Environmental Science, said, "The report published today provides a comprehensive assessment of the threats to Scotland's water and the action that could be taken by organisations, agencies and individuals to address them. I would urge anyone who uses the water environment or at home, for business or recreational purposes - to consider what actions they can take.
"Most of Scotland's water environment is in good condition at the moment, but there are many local threats. These problems include pollution, water abstraction and modifications as a result of engineering works. Climate change issues, such as increased risk of flooding, more extreme weather events, wetter winters and drier summers, may make these problems worse and result in changes in demand from sectors such as agriculture, forestry and public water supply. In order to prevent further deterioration we must address the issues raised in this consultation.
"The outcome of this consultation will help shape the way the water environment is regulated, cared for and monitored. This will both improve the environment and protect the interests of those who depend on it for drinking water, business and recreation."
Actions suggested in the report include measures to protect the water environment in development plans; education initiatives by trade associations; best practice advice from Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs); controls by regulatory organisations such as SEPA and national measures by government at a Scottish, UK or European level.
Minister for Environment Michael Russell has welcomed the report, particularly how a number of organisations have worked together in preparing the consultation.
He said, "I would encourage all interested parties to take this opportunity to comment on the report and identify how best to contribute to the river basin planning process and management of water bodies, in order to deliver improvements to Scotland's water environment."
Available from www.sepa.org.uk, have your say before 8 April 2008 and consider how we can all contribute to the development of a better, greener Scotland.
