But Regulator Says Risks Remain

Scotland’s drinking water remains among the finest anywhere in the world, but too many avoidable incidents are putting that reputation at risk, according to the latest annual report from the Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR).

The 2024 report found that Scottish Water maintained an impressive 99.92% compliance rate with stringent drinking water standards, based on more than 156,000 tests across the country.

But the Regulator, David Reynolds, warned that the number of serious incidents rose in 2024 and that action is needed to make water systems more resilient.

“Our drinking water in Scotland is amongst the finest in the world, however we need to invest to ensure this remains true,” he said.

“Scottish Water is managing a number of risks, and I would like to see these greatly reduced by ensuring assets fail-safe when things go wrong.”

A total of 34 water quality incidents required detailed investigation in 2024, up from 29 the previous year.

Meanwhile, 23 of over 62,000 samples taken directly from treatment works failed to meet required standards, marking a slight decline in performance from 2023.

Much of the concern focuses on discoloured water, which accounted for the majority of the 16,779 complaints received from the public last year.

“Consumers expect their tap water to look and taste good,” Reynolds said.

“I am disappointed in the number of incidents where consumers received discoloured water and Scottish Water needs to do more to prevent these situations.”

The DWQR is independent of government ministers and holds statutory powers to investigate and enforce water quality standards across the country.

It also provides oversight for investment planning and is directly involved in shaping Scottish Water’s long-term infrastructure strategy.

Scotland’s high water quality is the result of decades of work, but Reynolds stressed that success cannot be taken for granted.

He said a sharper focus is needed on preventative investment, particularly in ageing infrastructure to ensure future generations continue to enjoy safe, clean drinking water.

The Regulator’s report marks the 23rd annual publication of its kind since the role was created alongside the formation of Scottish Water in 2002.

A separate report on the state of private water supplies, overseen by local authorities and also regulated by the DWQR, is due to be published later this month.