Scotland's water industry: overview of regulation and key challenges

Author: Dr Elizabeth Lawson, Damon Davies

PDF Published: Tuesday 28 Oct 2025 (SB 25-52)

Expand
Overview
Report

Hide

Hide

Overview
Report
- Executive Summary
- 1. Background
  - 1.1 Why water policy matters in Scotland
  - 1.2 A brief history of Scotland's water sector
- 2. Policy Framework: Scotland's Hydro-Nation
- 3. Managing Scotland's water resources
- 4. Public water and wastewater services
  - 4.1 Who oversees Scotland's public water sector
  - 4.2 Planning and funding water investment: the regulatory period
  - 4.3 Scottish Water: structure, role and accountability
    
    4.3.1 How public water services are funded
    
    4.3.2 Economic regulation
    
    4.3.3 Public drinking water supplies
    
    4.3.4 Public wastewater treatment
    
    4.3.5 Domestic customer charges
    
    4.3.6 Non-domestic customers
    
    4.3.7 Pipework responsibilities
- 5.0 Private water supplies and wastewater treatment
  - 5.1 Private drinking water supplies
  - 5.2 Private wastewater treatment
    
    5.2.1 Septic tanks
    
    5.2.2 Regulation of private sewage systems
    
    5.2.3 Connecting to the public network
- 6.0 Key challenges for Scotland's water sector
  - 6.1 Climate change and water resilience
    
    6.1.1 Rainwater drainage and blue-green infrastructure
    
    6.1.2 Catchment management
  - 6.2 Water scarcity
    
    6.2.1 Reducing water consumption
    
    6.2.2 Hosepipe bans and other emergency measures
  - 6.3 Sewage pollution
    
    6.3.1 Impact on water bodies
    
    6.3.2 Sewage overflows
    
    6.3.3 Sewer flooding
    
    6.3.4 Historic and untreated sewage outfalls
  - 6.4 Emerging pollution risks: forever chemicals, microplastics and more
  - 6.5 Keeping pace with EU law
- Annex A: Key legislation
- Annex B: SEPA Environmental Pollution Event Categories (Water)
Sources

An infographic illustrating the major pressures affecting Scotland's water sector. Each pressure is represented with an icon or illustration and labelled accordingly. The key pressures shown include: Land use and catchment management, Pollution from industry and emerging contaminants, Water sector emissions reduction (Net Zero), Water abstraction, Resilience of rural and island drinking water supply and wastewater treatment, Increased water demand due to development, Urban surface water runoff, Domestic water management (consumption and drainage), Extreme weather events (drought and flooding), Flood management, Bathing water quality, Impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity, Wastewater (sewage) treatment, Water scarcity, Groundwater, The infographic visually communicates the interconnected environmental, infrastructural, and societal challenges facing Scotland's water systems.

Image: Figure 13: Key pressures on Scotland's water sector

Timeline infographic showing key events in the development of Scotland's water industry. These key events are described in the main text.

Image: Figure 1: Key events in the evolution of Scotland's water sector

This diagram shows a structural flow chart depicting regulators and their relationship to Scottish Water, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament. Roles of these key regulators are described in Table 1 below.

Image: Figure 2: Regulatory responsibilities of public authorities in Scotland's water sector

Flow chart depicting the organisational structure of Scottish Water and its subsidiaries. Scottish Water is at the top of the diagram with Scottish Water Horizons Holdings Ltd below. Below that the diagram branches into two separate strands. On the right is Scottish Water Horizons Ltd. To the left is Scottish Water Business Stream Holdings Ltd and below that Scottish Water Business Stream Ltd.

Image: Figure 3: Organisational structure of Scottish Water and its subsidiaries

A choropleth map of Scotland showing the number of private water supplies per 1,000 dwellings across Scottish Parliament constituencies. Constituencies are shaded in varying intensities of purple to indicate the density of private water supplies: Dark purple: 13.36 to 57.52 supplies per 1,000 dwellings, Medium dark purple: 2.13 to 13.36, Medium light purple: 0.46 to 2.13, Light purple: 0.06 to 0.46, Very light purple: 0.02 to 0.06, White: Zero private water supplies. The top five constituencies with the highest number of private water supplies per 1,000 dwellings are: Argyll and Bute – 57.52, Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch – 44.37, Perthshire North – 33.07, Galloway and West Dumfries – 31.07, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire – 26.57. The map highlights regional disparities in reliance on private water supplies across Scotland.

Image: Figure 9: Number of private water supplies per 1,000 dwellings by Scottish Parliament constituency.

A table-style chart comparing compliance rates with legal drinking water quality standards for Coliform Bacteria and E. coli across three types of water supplies in Scotland—Scottish Water consumer taps, Type B private water supplies, and Regulated private water supplies—from 2021 to 2023. Scottish Water Consumer Taps: Coliform Bacteria: 99.83% (2021), 99.74% (2022), 99.75% (2023) E. coli: 99.99% (2021), 99.97% (2022), 99.97% (2023) Type B Private Water Supplies: Coliform Bacteria: 66.7% (2021), 75.0% (2022), 66.6% (2023)E. coli: 83.8% (2021), 86.4% (2022), 82.1% (2023) Regulated Private Water Supplies: Coliform Bacteria: 76.9% (2021), 66.3% (2022), 78.8% (2023) E. coli: 87% (2021), 84% (2022), 89% (2023) The chart highlights consistently high compliance for Scottish Water consumer taps and poorer performance for private water supplies, especially Type B.

Image: Figure 10: Private Water supply compliance rates with legal drinking water quality standards.

A map of Scotland showing average water scarcity across river catchment areas from 1991 to 2024. Areas are shaded in varying tones of pink, with darker shades indicating higher average water scarcity. Four rivers with the highest average levels of water scarcity are labelled on the map: River Deveron. Firth of Forth. River Tyne. River Almond.

Image: Figure 15: Map of average water scarcity by river catchment areas from 1991 to 2024.

A bar chart illustrating Scottish Water's financial breakdown for the fiscal year 2024/25, divided into three sections: Funding, Expenditure, and Cash. Funding (Total just under £2.0 billion) of which: Customer charges: £1.5 billion Net new borrowing: £170 million, Utilisation of cash balances: £144 million, Other sources: £20 million, Expenditure (Total £1.9 billion): Regulated operating costs: £511 million, Regulated investment: £815 million, Responsive repair & refurbishment: £277 million, PFI charges and interest: each £169 million, Cash: Group subsidiaries £136 million, Regulated business cash £133 million.

Image: Figure 4: Scottish Water's regulated revenue and expenditure 2024/25

A diagram outlining the roles and responsibilities of six public bodies involved in the strategic review process of Scottish Water: Consumer Scotland – Advises the Scottish Government on consumer policy issues. Scottish Government – Develops policy and sets the Principles of Charging and Objectives for the water industry. Drinking Water Quality Regulator – Advises the Government on water quality standards and reviews Scottish Water's Investment Plan. Scottish Water – Prepares a Business Plan and Investment Plan aligned with Ministerial Objectives and Principles of Charging. Water Industry Commission for Scotland – Reviews Scottish Water's Business and Investment Plans and sets price caps. Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) – Advises the Government on environmental standards and reviews Scottish Water's Investment Plan. The diagram visually maps how each body contributes to the strategic review process, emphasising advisory, planning, and regulatory roles.

Image: Figure 5: Roles and responsibilities of public bodies in the strategic review process.

A quadrant diagram illustrating the possible trade-offs in Scottish Water's investment strategy, based on combinations of customer charges and borrowing levels. The center of the diagram reads: "Current and future customers pay equal share of investment." Top-left quadrant (High borrowing, Low customer charges): "Future customers pay higher share of investment." Top-right quadrant (High borrowing, High customer charges): "Too much cash, reduced incentives for efficiency." Bottom-left quadrant (Low borrowing, Low customer charges): "Not enough cash, investment not delivered." Bottom-right quadrant (Low borrowing, High customer charges): "Current customers pay higher share of investment." The diagram visually communicates the balance needed to ensure fair and efficient investment funding between current and future customers.

Image: Figure 6: conceptual diagram summarising the challenges of balancing Scottish Water investment between customer charges and borrowing

A line graph showing the trend in average unmetered household combined water and sewerage charges in Scotland from 2007/08 to 2025/26. The vertical axis represents cost in pounds (£), ranging from £200 to £500. The horizontal axis spans fiscal years from 2007/08 to 2025/26. Purple line (Cash terms): Starts around £300 in 2007/08 and rises steadily, with a sharper increase after 2020, reaching approximately £450 by 2025/26. Yellow line (Real terms, adjusted to October 2006 prices): Begins slightly above £300, dips slightly, fluctuates, and ends below its starting point, showing a modest increase toward 2025/26. The graph contrasts nominal and inflation-adjusted charges, emphasising the impact of inflation on household water and sewerage costs over time.

Image: Figure 7. Average unmetered household combined water and sewerage charges in Scotland in cash and real terms 2007/08 to 2025/26

A vertical bar chart showing the year-to-year average real terms percentage change in unmetered household combined water and sewerage bills in Scotland from 2008/09 to 2025/26. The y-axis ranges from -4% to +8%, and the x-axis lists fiscal years. Bars are coloured purple. In 2008/09, the change is around +2%. From 2009/10 to 2013/14, the changes are mostly negative, with a sharp dip near -4% around 2011. Between 2014/15 and 2022/23, changes fluctuate slightly between positive and negative. From 2023/24 onward, there is a steep upward trend, peaking at nearly +7% in 2025/26. The chart highlights variability in year-to-year changes in real terms charges.

Image: Figure 8: Annual average real terms year-on-year change (per cent) in unmetered household combined water and sewerage bills in Scotland 2007/08 to 2025/26.

A cross-sectional diagram of a basic septic tank system used for private sewage treatment. The tank features: Inlet pipe on the left side, where wastewater enters the tank. Outlet pipe on the right side, where treated water exits. Interior layers showing: A top layer of wastewater. A bottom layer of settled solids. Inspection port at the top center of the tank, used for maintenance access. The diagram visually explains the flow and separation of waste within a septic tank system.

Image: Figure 11: Example illustration of a simple septic tank private sewage system.

A choropleth map of Scotland showing the number of septic tanks per 1,000 dwellings across Scottish Parliament constituencies. Constituencies are shaded in varying intensities of purple to represent septic tank density: Darkest purple: 65.62 to 518 septic tanks per 1,000 dwellings. Medium-dark purple: 17.51 to 65.61. Medium-light purple: 4.61 to 17.50. Lightest purple: 0.76 to 4.60. Very light purple: 0 to 0.76. The top five constituencies with the highest septic tank density are: Argyll and Bute – 518. Orkney Islands – 343. Na h-Eileanan an Iar – 223. Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch – 219. Caithness, Sutherland and Ross – 187. The map highlights regional variations in the use of septic tanks across Scotland.

Image: Figure 12: Estimated number of septic tanks per 1,000 dwellings by Scottish Parliament constituency.

A diagram showing components of a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) around a house. Key features include: Water butt collecting rainwater from the roof. Green roof absorbing rainfall. Underground filter treating excess water before it enters the storm drain. Kerbside bioswales channelling and filtering runoff. Retention pond storing water temporarily. Permeable paving allowing water to soak into the ground. The system illustrates how SuDS elements work together to manage rainwater sustainably, reduce flood risk, and improve water quality by mimicking natural drainage.

Image: Figure 14: Illustrative example of SuDS systems

A vertical bar chart comparing average daily water consumption (in litres) across Scotland, selected UK nations, and European countries with similar climates. The countries are listed from highest to lowest consumption: Norway: 189 litres. Scotland: 180 litres. England and Wales: 144 litres. Netherlands: 133 litres. Germany: 126 litres. Ireland: 125 litres. Denmark: 109 litres. Belgium: 85 litres. The chart highlights that Scotland has one of the highest average daily water consumption rates among the listed countries.

Image: Figure 16: Average daily water consumption in Scotland compared to selected UK and European countries with a similar climate.

Two line graphs showing trends in environmental pollution incidents linked to wastewater treatment in Scotland from 2010/11 to 2024/25. Left graph: Tracks Category 1 and 2 incidents (major or significant pollution). Starts at approximately 30 incidents in 2010/11. Declines sharply to below 5 incidents by 2015/16. Remains low with slight fluctuations, ending around 5 incidents in 2024/25. Right graph: Tracks Category 3 incidents (minor pollution). Begins at around 800 incidents in 2010/11. Drops steeply over time. Reaches below 100 incidents by 2024/25. The graphs illustrate a significant reduction in both major and minor pollution incidents over the 15-year period.

Image: Figure 17: Environmental Pollution Incidents associated with wastewater treatment 2010/11 to 2024/25.

A line graph showing the number of sewer flooding incidents in Scotland from 2015/16 to 2023/24. The y-axis ranges from 0 to 150 incidents, and the x-axis covers fiscal years from 2015/16 to 2023/24. The graph includes two lines: Purple line: Represents total flooding incidents. Starts low in 2015/16. Gradually increases from 2017/18. Peaks sharply around 2020/21 at approximately 140 incidents. Declines steeply by 2022/23 and then levels off. Yellow line: Represents flooding incidents due to severe weather. Begins rising around 2018/19. Peaks around 2020/21 at just over 60 incidents. Declines steadily through to 2023/24.

Image: Figure 18: Incidents of sewer flooding 2015/16 to 2023/24

McLeish, W.P. (1980). Water resources: a changing strategy?. Retrieved from https://www.icevirtuallibrary.com/doi/full/10.1680/wracs.00971.0003 [accessed 17 April 2025]

Sewell, W.R.D., Coppock, J.T., & Pitkethly, A. (1985). Insitutional innovtion in water management: the Scottish experience. Oxfordshire: Spon Press.

Lawson, E., Robbie, J., Sloan, W., & Amezaga, J. (1). Challenges and opportunities for decentralised water technologies in Scotland. Water Policy, 26(2). doi: 10.2166/wp.2024.194

Hendry, S. (2016). Scottish water - a public sector success story. Water International, 41(6), 900-915. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/02508060.2016.1212961

Scottish Government . (n.d.) Hydro Nation Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/policies/water/hydro-nation/

Scotland's Environment. (n.d.) Scotland’s freshwater. Retrieved from https://www.environment.gov.scot/our-environment/water/scotland-s-freshwater/ [accessed 17 September 2025]

SEPA. (n.d.) Controlled Reservoirs Register. Retrieved from https://map.sepa.org.uk/reservoirsfloodmap/Map.htm [accessed 17 September 2025]

Scotland's Environment. (2011, November). Groundwater. Retrieved from https://www.environment.gov.scot/media/1230/water-groundwater.pdf [accessed 17 September 2025]

European Commission. (n.d.) Water Framework Directive. Retrieved from https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/water-framework-directive_en [accessed 18 September 2025]

WAREG. (2023, November 16). The essence of the Water Framework Directive. Retrieved from https://www.wareg.org/articles/the-essence-of-the-water-framework-directive/ [accessed 18 September 2025]

European Environmental Bureau. (2025). The EU Water Framework Directive: A modern and powerful tool to provide clean, healthy, flowing waters. Retrieved from https://eeb.org/library/the-eu-water-framework-directive-a-modern-and-powerful-tool-to-provide-clean-healthy-flowing-waters/ [accessed 18 September 2025]

Scottish Water. (n.d.) Our Vital Role. Retrieved from https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/About-Us/Who-We-Are/Our-Vital-Role

Scottish Water. (n.d.) The Water Industry in Scotland. Retrieved from https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/about-us/what-we-do/the-water-industry-in-scotland [accessed 5 March 2025]

Scottish Water. (n.d.) Delivering Ministerial Objectives. Retrieved from https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/About-Us/What-We-Do/Delivering-Ministerial-Objectives [accessed 24 February 2025]

Water Industry Commission for Scotland. (2024, December 12). STRATEGIC REVIEW OF CHARGES 2027-2033: FINAL METHODOLOGY. Retrieved from https://wics.scot/system/files/2024-12/SRC27-Final-Methodology.pdf [accessed 24 February 2025]

Scottish Water. (2025). 2024/25 Annual Report and Accounts Performance and Prospects. Retrieved from https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/-/media/ScottishWater/Document-Hub/Key-Publications/Annual-Reports/SCW2799-Annual-Report-2025_Interactive-FULL-V12-NOT-Signed-AG.pdf [accessed 28 August 2025]

Water Industry Commission for Scotland. (2024, November). SCOTTISH WATER’S PERFORMANCE 2023-24. Retrieved from https://wics.scot/publications/scottish-water/performance/scottish-water-performance-report-2023-24 [accessed 3 March 2025]

Water Industry Commission for Scotland. (2006). Our work in regulating the Scottish water industry: Setting out a clear framework for the Strategic Review of Charges 2006-10. Retrieved from https://wics.scot/system/files/2021-07/2006-10%20methodology.pdf [accessed 20 February 2025]

European Water Regulators. (2023, February 12). Drinking Water Directive. Retrieved from https://www.wareg.org/articles/drinking-water-directive/ [accessed 25 February 2025]

Scottish Government . (n.d.) Water. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/policies/water/protected-waters/#:~:text=Drinking%20water%20quality%20in%20Scotland,provide%20technical%20and%20logistical%20support. [accessed 27 February 2025]

DWQR. (2023, December). Enforcement Policy December 2023. Retrieved from https://dwqr.scot/media/i1ilkn1f/dwqr-enforcement-policy-dec-2023.pdf [accessed 15 October 2025]

Environmental Standards Scotland. (2024, September). Storm overflows - an assessment of spills, their impact on the water environment and the effectiveness of legislation and policy. Retrieved from https://environmentalstandards.scot/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Storm-overflows-an-assessment-of-spills-their-impact-on-the-water-environment-and-the-effectiveness-of-legislation-and-policy-September-2024.pdf [accessed 17 April 2025]

Scottish Water. (2024, February 29). Scottish Water Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2024. Retrieved from https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/About-Us/News-and-Views/2024/02/290224-Climate-Change-Adaptation [accessed 8 August 2025]

Scottish Water. (2025). Our Sustainable Future Together Long-Term Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/About-Us/What-We-Do/Our-Sustainable-Future-Together [accessed 25 June 2025]

SEPA. (n.d.) Moving to the new Regulations. Retrieved from https://beta.sepa.scot/regulation/authorisations-and-compliance/easr-authorisations/moving-to-the-new-regulations/ [accessed 16 September 2025]

Citizens Advice Scotland. (n.d.) Paying for water and sewerage in Scotland. Retrieved from https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/consumer/water/paying-for-water-and-sewerage-in-scotland-s/#:~:text=Council%20Tax%20Reduction%20and%20water,this%20automatically%20to%20your%20bill.&text=If%20you%20get%2050%25%20Council,the%20water%20and%20sewerage%20charges. [accessed 21 February 2025]

Scottish Water . (n.d.) Unmetered Charges 2025-2026. Retrieved from https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/Your-Home/Your-Charges/Your-Charges-2025-2026/Unmetered-Charges-2025-2026 [accessed 24 February 2025]

Scottish Water. (n.d.) Metered Charges 2025-26. Retrieved from https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/Your-Home/Your-Charges/Your-Charges-2025-2026/Metered-Charges-2025-2026 [accessed 21 February 2025]

Scottish Government. (2020, December 7). Water services - charging principles: 2021 to 2027. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/publications/principles-of-charging-2021-2027/ [accessed 15 August 2025]

Water Industry Commission for Scotland. (n.d.) Retailer responsibilities. Retrieved from https://wics.scot/retailers/operating-market/retailer-responsibilities [accessed 13 May 2025]

Water Industry Commission for Scotland. (2025, May 13). Becoming a retailer. Retrieved from https://wics.scot/retailers/becoming-retailer [accessed 13 May 2025]

DWQR. (2024, September). Private Water Supples Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2023. Retrieved from https://dwqr.scot/media/xpxnhhxz/private-water-supply-annual-report-2023.pdf [accessed 12 February 2025]

Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW). (2020). Private Water Supplies and Climate Change. Retrieved from https://www.crew.ac.uk/sites/www.crew.ac.uk/files/publication/CRW2018_05_report_FINAL%2Blink.pdf [accessed 19 September 2025]

Argyll and Bute Council. (2025). Private Water Supply Sampling Request. Retrieved from https://argyllandbute.custhelp.com/app/LAP_Forms/LAP_PWS_Request [accessed 10 March 2025]

Ash, E. (2023, November). Advice, support and funding needs of private water supply users. Retrieved from https://consumer.scot/media/v43cues4/advice-support-and-funding-needs-of-private-water-supply-users.pdf [accessed 10 November 2025]

Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW). (2022, October 5). Understanding problems associated with small-scale Private Sewage Systems (PSS) from regulators' perspectives. Retrieved from https://www.crew.ac.uk/publication/private_sewage_systems [accessed 14 May 2025]

Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). (2021, June). Guidance for Pollution Prevention Treatment and disposal of wastewater where there is no connection to the public foul sewer: GPP 4 Version 1.2 June 2021. Retrieved from https://www.netregs.org.uk/media/1887/guidance-for-pollution-prevention-4-2022-update.pdf [accessed 5 August 2025]

Scottish Water. (2025). Septic Tank Services. Retrieved from https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/Your-Home/Your-Waste-Water/Septic-Tanks/Septic-Tank-Services [accessed 22 April 2025]

Scottish Water . (2025). Your charges explained. Septic tank de-sludging charges 2025/26. Retrieved from https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/-/media/ScottishWater/Document-Hub/Your-Home/Charges/2025/280325-Septic-Tank-De-sludging-Charges-25-26.pdf [accessed 22 April 2025]

Wilschnack, K., Cartmell, E., Yates, K., & Petrie, B. (2024). Septic tanks as a pathway for emerging contaminants to the aquatic environment–Need for alternative rural wastewater treatment?. Environmental Pollution, 362(124988). doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124988

SEPA. (2023, September). Service level statement for small-scale private sewage treatment systems. Retrieved from https://beta.sepa.scot/topics/water/septic-tanks-and-private-sewage-treatment-systems/service-level-statement-for-small-scale-private-sewage-treatment-systems/ [accessed 3 June 2025]

SEPA. (n.d.) Service level statement for small-scale private sewage treatment systems. Retrieved from https://beta.sepa.scot/topics/water/septic-tanks-and-private-sewage-treatment-systems/service-level-statement-for-small-scale-private-sewage-treatment-systems/ [accessed 15 September 2025]

SEPA. (2024). Register a septic tank or other small sewage discharge. Retrieved from https://www.sepa.org.uk/regulations/authorisations-and-permits/application-forms/small-sewage-discharges/ [accessed 18 February 2025]

Water Industry Commission for Scotland. (2022, December 8). Reasonable cost determination procedure. Retrieved from https://wics.scot/publications/reasonable-cost-determinations/reasonable-cost-determination-procedure [accessed 4 2025]

Scottish Water . (n.d.) Your guide on how to connect to our network. Retrieved from https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/-/media/ScottishWater/Document-Hub/Business-and-Developers/Connecting-to-our-network/All-connections-information/31823SW_SH_GuidancePack.pdf [accessed 18 August 2025]

Scottish Government . (2022). Adapting to climate change and water scarcity. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/news/adapting-to-climate-change-and-water-scarcity/#:~:text=The%20government%20is%20also%20leading%20a%20pilot%20project,in%20this%20parliamentary%20term%20to%20support%20this%20programme. [accessed 15 August 2025]

Scottish Water. (n.d.) Moving from private to public water supply. Retrieved from https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/-/media/ScottishWater/Document-Hub/Business-and-Developers/Connecting-to-our-network/All-connections-information/120221SWPrivateToPublicv4aPages.pdf [accessed 8 July 2025]

Scottish Water. (n.d.) Your guide on how to connect to our network. Retrieved from https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/-/media/ScottishWater/Document-Hub/Business-and-Developers/Connecting-to-our-network/All-connections-information/31823SW_SH_GuidancePack.pdf [accessed 8 2025]

Indpendent Water Commission. (2025, July 21). Independent Water Commission Final Report. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-water-commission-review-of-the-water-sector [accessed 30 2025]

Scottish Water. (n.d.) TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE RELATED FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES (TCFD) 2023/24. Retrieved from https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/-/media/ScottishWater/Document-Hub/Key-Publications/Climate-Change/120624TaskforceOnClimateRelated-FinancialDisclosures20232024.pdf [accessed 24 February 2025]

Scottish Government. (2023, September). Equality, Opportunity, Community: Our Programme for Government. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/strategy-plan/2023/09/programme-government-2023-24/documents/equality-opportunity-community-programme-government/equality-opportunity-community-programme-government/govscot%3Adocument/equality-opportunity-community-programme-government.pdf [accessed 24 June 2025]

Scottish Government . (2023, November 21). Water, wastewater and drainage policy consultation. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/publications/water-wastewater-drainage-policy-consultation/pages/4/

Consumer Scotland. (2023, September). Overcoming Barriers to the Adoption of Blue-Green Infrastructure . Retrieved from https://consumer.scot/media/k0ufweph/overcoming-barriers-to-the-adoption-of-blue-green-infrastructure.pdf [accessed 9 2025]

Scottish Government. (2023, February 13). National Planning Framework 4. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-planning-framework-4/ [accessed 16 October 2025]

Scottish Government. (2021, February). Water-Resilient Places A Policy Framework for Surface Water Management and Blue-Green Infrastructure. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/publications/water-resilient-places-policy-framework-surface-water-management-blue-green-infrastructure/documents/ [accessed 25 June 2025]

NatureScot. (n.d.) Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). Retrieved from https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/placemaking-and-green-infrastructure/green-infrastructure/sustainable-drainage-systems-suds [accessed 25 2025]

susdrain. (n.d.) Scotland legislation & regulation. Retrieved from https://www.susdrain.org/delivering-suds/using-suds/legislation-and-regulation/scotland.html [accessed 27 June 2025]

McDonald, R.K. (2018, May). Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) in Scotland: Assessment of Monitoring and Maintenance within Local Authorities and Scottish Water. Retrieved from https://www.climatexchange.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/sustainable_urban_drainage_systems_in_scotland.pdf [accessed 27 June 2025]

NatureScot. (n.d.) Catchment management. Retrieved from https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/land-and-sea-management/managing-freshwater/catchment-management [accessed 27 2025]

Boca, A.D., White, C.J., & Bertram, D. (2022). A review of the risks to water resources in Scotland in response to climate change. Retrieved from https://www.crew.ac.uk/sites/www.crew.ac.uk/files/publication/CD2021_02_Main%20report_0%2Blink.pdf [accessed 27 2025]

Dee Catchment Partnership. (n.d.) About us. Retrieved from https://www.deepartnership.org/about-us/ [accessed 27 June 2025]

Dee Catchment Partnership. (n.d.) Our Partners. Retrieved from https://www.deepartnership.org/about-us/our-partners/ [accessed 27 June 2025]

Dee Catchment Partnership. (n.d.) Our Work. Retrieved from https://www.deepartnership.org/our-work/ [accessed 27 June 2025]

Dobson, B., Coxon, G., Freer, J., Gavin, H., Mortazavi-Naeini, M., & W.Hall, J. (2020). The Spatial Dynamics of Droughts and Water Scarcity in England and Wales. Water Resources Research, 56(9). doi: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020WR027187

Baird Kirkpatrick, F., Partridge Stubbs, J., & Spray, D. (2021). Anticipating and mitigating projected climate-driven increases in extreme drought in Scotland, 2021-2040. Retrieved from https://www.nature.scot/doc/naturescot-research-report-1228-anticipating-and-mitigating-projected-climate-driven-increases [accessed 10 April 2025]

Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). (2020, July). Scotland's National Water Scarcity Plan. Retrieved from https://www.sepa.org.uk/media/219302/scotlands-national-water-scarcity-plan.pdf [accessed 10 April 2025]

SGN. (2022, November). FEASIBILITY STUDY INTO WATER REQUIREMENT FOR HYDROGEN PRODUCTION. Retrieved from file:///C:/Users/S805002/Downloads/Water%20Requirement%20for%20Hydrogen%20Production%20-%20FINAL.pdf [accessed 15 2025]

BBC. (n.d.) Scottish data centres powering AI already using enough water to fill 27 million bottles a year. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c77zxx43x4vo [accessed 16 October 2025]

Peters, J., Roberts, J., McGuire, S., Willmott, E., Tunaley, C., White, C., … Major, L. (2025). Assessing Water Scarcity Reporting in Scotland: A report from SEPA–University of Strathclyde Innovation Partnership Secondment. University of Strathclyde. doi: https://doi.org/10.17868/strath.00093463

Peters, J., Roberts, J.J., McGuire, S., Willmott, E., Tunaley, C., White, C., … Major, L. (2025). Dataset of Daily Water Scarcity Level in Scotland (1991 - 2025). University of Strathclyde. doi: https://doi.org/10.15129/ea4d17fe-6d09-44da-b7d5-d3eae5249313

Scottish Water. (2025). Our Sustainable future together. Draft long-term strategy. Retrieved from https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/About-Us/What-We-Do/Our-Sustainable-Future-Together [accessed 10 April 2015]

Scottish Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.) Water Scarcity. Retrieved from https://beta.sepa.scot/water-scarcity/ [accessed 27 June 2025]

SEPA. (2020, July). Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan. Retrieved from https://www.sepa.org.uk/media/219302/scotlands-national-water-scarcity-plan.pdf [accessed 31 July 2025]

Scottish Environment Protection Agency. (2019, December). One Planet Prosperity- A Framework for Water . Retrieved from https://www.sepa.org.uk/media/496213/framework_for_water.pdf [accessed 14 April 2025]

Ashworth, L. (2023, December). Supporting sustainable water use among Scotland's consumers. Retrieved from https://consumer.scot/media/wmbbixzt/consumer-scotland-water-efficiency-reportdocx.pdf [accessed 10 April 2025]

BBC. (2025). Why does Scotland use more water than the rest of the UK?. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9q0j07l9dxo [accessed 28 October 2025]

Scottish Water. (n.d.) Dundee - Domestic Smart Monitoring Trial. Retrieved from https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/In-Your-Area/Investments-in-Your-Area/150125-Dundee-Smart-Monitoring [accessed 25 2025]

UK Government. (2025, June 12). Why do we have hosepipe bans during a drought? . Retrieved from https://environmentagency.blog.gov.uk/2025/06/12/why-do-we-have-hosepipe-bans-during-a-drought/ [accessed 16 September 2025]

Scottish Government . (2011). Implementing the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003: use of CAR 2011 emergency provisions. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/publications/implementing-water-environment-water-services-scotland-act-2003-use-car/pages/2/ [accessed 8 July 2025]

Outdoor Swimmer. (2022). Trends in Outdoor Swimming 2022. Retrieved from https://outdoorswimmer.com/featured/trends-in-outdoor-swimming-2022/ [accessed 17 September 2025]

SEPA. (2025). Personal Commmunication.

Wild Trout Trust. (2024, August 5). Sewage in rivers, what you need to know in 2024. Retrieved from https://www.wildtrout.org/wttblog/sewage-in-rivers#:~:text=The%20Impact%20of%20Sewage%20in%20Rivers,-The%20presence%20of&text=Sewage%20discharge%20into%20rivers%20introduces,and%20harm%20other%20aquatic%20life. [accessed 17 April 2025]

Scottish Water. (n.d.) Overflow FAQs. Retrieved from https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/help-and-resources/faqs/waste-water-faqs/cso-faqs [accessed 18 August 2025]

Environment Agency. (2011, May). Greywater for domestic users: an information guide. Retrieved from https://sswm.info/sites/default/files/reference_attachments/ENVIRONMENT%20AGENCY%202011%20Greywater%20for%20Domestic%20Users.pdf [accessed 17 September 2025]

Scottish Environmental Protection Agency . (2024, December 5). Scottish Water served £6,000 civil penalty for polluting Dunfermline burn. Retrieved from https://beta.sepa.scot/news/2024/scottish-water-served-6-000-civil-penalty-for-polluting-dunfermline-burn/ [accessed 8 July 2025]

Marine Conservation Society . (2025). Solutions to Scoltand's sewage scandal. Retrieved from https://www.mcsuk.org/news/solutions-to-scotlands-sewage-scandal/ [accessed 15 April 2025]

Scottish Government. (2025, June). Letter from the Scottish Government to ESS - Storm Overflows report recommendations. Retrieved from https://environmentalstandards.scot/our-work/our-analytical-work/letter-from-the-scottish-government-to-ess-storm-overflows-report-recommendations-june-2025/ [accessed 17 October 2025]

Scottish Water. (2025, May). Letter from Scottish Water to ESS - Storm Overflows report recommendations. Retrieved from https://environmentalstandards.scot/our-work/our-analytical-work/scottish-waters-response-to-ess-storm-overflows-report-may-2025/ [accessed 17 October 2025]

Scottish Water. (2024, December 13). Positive Start to £500m Programme of Urban Water Investment. Retrieved from https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/About-Us/News-and-Views/2024/12/131224-Lord-Ancrum-Woods-IUW-Outfall#:~:text=Over%20the%20past%20decade%20Scottish,Routemap%20can%20be%20found%20below. [accessed 17 September 2025]

The Rivers Trust. (2024, March 27). 2023's Sewage deluge. Retrieved from https://theriverstrust.org/about-us/news/2023s-sewage-deluge [accessed 15 April 2025]

Scottish Water. (n.d.) Sewer flooding. Retrieved from https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/your-home/your-waste-water/sewer-flooding [accessed 2025 August 8]

Scottish Water. (n.d.) Sewer flooding guide. Retrieved from https://sw-preprod-sitecore-93-nor-376230-cm.azurewebsites.net/-/media/ScottishWater/Document-Hub/Factsheets-and-Leaflets/Leaflets/270718SewerFloodingGuideFinalMar15.pdf [accessed 8 August 2025]

Consumer Scotland. (2024, May). Consumer views on climate adaptation in the water sector – drainage and wastewater. Retrieved from https://consumer.scot/media/czjjwphj/ipsos-deliberative-policy-briefing-drainage-and-wastewater-final-pdf.pdf [accessed 9 2025]

Scottish Government. (2024, April 22). Ban on wet wipes containing plastic. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/news/ban-on-wet-wipes-containing-plastic/ [accessed 21 October 2025]

SEPA. (2011). SEPA Position Statement to support the implementation of the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011: WAT-PS-08-01: Untreated Sewage Discharges. Retrieved from https://www.sepa.org.uk/media/152649/wat_ps_08_01.pdf [accessed 3 June 2025]

SEPA. (2024). Private sewage treatment system registration guidance. Retrieved from https://www.sepa.org.uk/regulations/water/septic-tanks-and-private-sewage-treatment-systems/private-sewage-treatment-system-registration-guidance/ [accessed 18 February 2025]

Scottish Parliament. (2023, August 21). Law Society of Scotland submission of 8 August 2023 PE1988/C: Review the process for disposal of household raw sewage. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/-/media/files/committees/citizen-participation-and-public-petitions-committee/correspondence/2022/pe1988/pe1988_c.pdf [accessed 3 June 2025]

Scottish Parliament . (2022). PE1988: Review the process for disposal of household raw sewage. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/get-involved/petitions/view-petitions/pe1988-review-the-process-for-disposal-of-household-raw-sewage [accessed 22 April 2025]

Scottish Parliament. (2025, June). Official Report: Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee, Wednesday 4 June 2025. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/api/sitecore/CustomMedia/OfficialReport?meetingId=16487 [accessed 17 October 2025]

Li, X., Shen, X., Jiang, W., Xi, Y., & Li, S. (2024). Comprehensive review of emerging contaminants: Detection technologies, environmental impact, and management strategies. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 278, 116420. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116420

Vorstius, C., Rowan, J., Brown, I., Halliday, S., & Hendry, S. (2024). Developing risk assessment approached for watch list parameters under the recast Drinking Water Directive. CRW2022_01. Retrieved from https://www.crew.ac.uk/publication/risk-assessment-watch-list-PFAS [accessed 14 April 2025]

Environmental Standards Scotland. (2024, October). The risks to Scotland’s soils: a scoping report. Retrieved from https://environmentalstandards.scot/our-work/our-analytical-work/the-risks-to-scotlands-soils-a-scoping-report/ [accessed 7 July 2025]

Zero Waste Scotland. (2023). What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?. Retrieved from https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/resources/extended-producer-responsibility [accessed 16 September 2025]

OECD. (n.d.) Extended producer responsibility and economic instruments. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/extended-producer-responsibility-and-economic-instruments.html#:~:text=Extended%20producer%20responsibility%20is%20a,goals%20such%20as%20recycling%20targets. [accessed 16 September 2025]

Hot in Healthcare . (2024, December 3). Extended Producer Responsibility for Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics Companies: Adoption of the Recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. Retrieved from https://healthcarelifesciences.bakermckenzie.com/2024/12/03/extended-producer-responsibility-for-pharmaceutical-and-cosmetics-companies-adoption-of-the-recast-urban-wastewater-treatment-directive/ [accessed 18 September 2025]

UK Government. (2025). Persistent organic pollutants (POPs): policy information. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/persistent-organic-pollutants-pops-policy-information/persistent-organic-pollutants-pops-policy-information#progress-so-far [accessed 16 September 2025]

Scottish Parliament. (2022, May 31). Scottish Government approach to alignment with EU law – the draft policy statement. Retrieved from https://spice-spotlight.scot/2022/05/31/scottish-government-approach-to-alignment-with-eu-law-the-draft-policy-statement/ [accessed 26 February 2025]

European Commission. (2025). Drinking Water. Retrieved from https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/drinking-water_en#:~:text=The%20recast%20Drinking%20Water%20Directive,Citizens'%20Initiative%20'Right2Water%20'. [accessed 15 April 2025]

Scottish Government. (n.d.) COMMISSIONING THE STRATEGIC REVIEW OF WATER CHARGES: 2027-2033. Retrieved from https://wics.scot/system/files/2024-06/2027-33%20Commissioning%20Letter.pdf [accessed 8 July 2025]

One Health Breakthrough Partnership . (n.d.) OHBP Background. Retrieved from https://ohbp.org/our-work/ohbp-background/ [accessed 2025 August 2025]

Last Updated: 13/12 9:51am

An error occured while loading, please try again in a few minutes.