The Scottish Government set out its proposed strategic principles and considerations in developing policy for the future of the water industry in Scotland in response to the climate emergency, published in November 2023.
This consultation notes the risk of water scarcity associated with climate change, as differing parts of Scotland have seen prolonged dry weather and there has not been an unlimited supply of water. Unless we take action, by 2050, one-third of Scotland’s population will be at risk of water shortages.
Planning for our water resources can enable us to respond better in times when there are greater pressures, such as in times of warmer, drier weather. Public bodies, Non-Governmental Organisations, farmers, energy companies, businesses and communities all need to play a role in creating these plans.
Planning can also help us respond to extreme weather events such as periods of very heavy and / or intense rainfall which can lead to spills from drainage systems to the environment and/or cause flooding to homes and businesses.
Recommended actions to reduce the risk of flooding and spills from combined sewer overflows into the water environment include:
Abstraction of water also impacts on geology, habitats, wildlife, biodiversity and recreational use of water resources. This is managed by Scottish Water and SEPA under the River Basin Management Plan for Scotland (2021-2027) and the National Water Scarcity Plan (2020).
Scottish Water has a mandate to encourage the specification of improved water efficiency measures within dwellings. The Scottish Water Byelaws set requirements which must be adhered to in all properties that have a public water supply. They also seek to minimise the risks of private pipework compromising the quality of water in the public mains.
The Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (the Act) places a sustainable procurement duty on a contracting authority before they buy anything, to think about how they can – though their procurements - improve the social, environmental and economic wellbeing in Scotland, with a particular focus on reducing inequality, and act in a way to secure this. For example through the appropriate use of the sustainability test and its associated tool; the prioritisation methodology, and the application of relevant and proportionate contract requirements.
The public procurement regulations allow, and sometimes require, a contracting authority to exclude companies from tendering for public contracts for not meeting certain conditions and select the most suitable bidders based on technical ability and previous experience in relation to the subject matter of the contract. This is done through the Single Procurement Document (SPD).
Procurement activity can contribute to efforts to limit negative environmental impact, this can be seen with Scotland’s Baby Box. As a result of including a weighted climate emergency question as part of the tender evaluation process, the successful supplier committed to delivering a range of sustainable benefits in the delivery of the contract. Specific actions include:
The National Outcomes and Indicators encourages us ‘to focus on creating a more successful country with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish through increased wellbeing, and sustainable and inclusive economic growth’. The National Outcomes and Indicators relevant for this guidance are:
Environment: We value, enjoy, protect and enhance our environment (Energy from renewable sources, Waste generated).
Economy: We have a globally competitive, entrepreneurial, inclusive and sustainable economy (Carbon footprint, Greenhouse gas emissions).
A focus on mitigating Climate Change through water consumption and production may form part of a public organisation’s sustainability strategy, carbon reduction strategy, or equivalent.
