Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland highlights reservoir maintenance needs

Scottish Water achieved 99.92% compliance with drinking water quality standards in 2022, according to the annual public water supply report from the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland (DWQR). The report covered nearly 300,000 tests taken by Scottish Water and 140,000 tests on customer tap samples.

In the year, the regulator said it reviewed 814 water quality events and declared 26 incidents. In her foreword to the report, regulator Sue Petch highlighted failures involving the detection of bacteria at two of Scottish Water’s service reservoirs which necessitated boil water notices. “Our assessment showed significant failings in Scottish Water’s maintenance of these assets. Further investigation into the approach to maintenance and inspection of service reservoirs has shown a backlog of inspection and repair. I am currently progressing enforcement action to ensure a robust programme of work is implemented to address this in the fastest possible time.”

She added: “Our audits and incident investigations show the importance of maintaining the assets that are vital to the safe supply of water, as well as the potential risks to water quality when this work doesn’t happen. Scottish Water must ensure that drinking water quality continues to be its top priority and that this is safeguarded through diligent operation, maintenance and investment in its water supply systems.”

Elsewhere in the report, the DWQR noted the number of contacts received from consumers about the quality of their drinking water fell to 16,618 in 2022, a significant improvement on the 23,770 contacts received in 2021.