Water, wastewater and drainage: consultation analysis

Views on: Water resource planning

Quantitative responses

The results of the closed questions are as follows:

• 475 respondents (97%) agree that Scotland needs to set out a plan to manage our water resources, for now and into the future
• 284 respondents (58%) strongly agree and 146 (30%) agree that taking a national view of catchment risks will help better protect drinking water sources from pollutants

There were no qualitative/free text questions for this section of the consultation.

Engagement sessions

While there were no qualitative questions relating to water resource planning in the consultation, there was discussion of water resource planning during some of the engagement sessions.

Water resource planning includes making choices about whether we need to store more water or be more efficient with the water we have. It was clear from engagement sessions, and consultation responses, that participants believe that water should be used more efficiently. Many participants referred to the need for behaviour change in order to reduce the amount of water consumed in Scotland. This is explored in more depth in the ‘Drinking Water’ section.

Participants commented that there is a need to move from a linear process when dealing with waste of water towards a circular process. There was emphasis on a collaborative approach being necessary to put water resource planning in place, particularly the need to work with Scotland’s Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). Participants also highlighted the benefits of water resource planning in reducing drought and there was similar support for catchment management.