The Scottish Government recently published the analysis of its consultation titled “Water, Wastewater, and Drainage: Consultation Analysis,” shedding light on public opinion and future policy directions. This blog post delves into the key findings from this comprehensive consultation and aligns them with the One Health agenda and the One Health Breakthrough Partnership (OHBP).
The consultation, conducted between November 2023 and February 2024, invited responses from various stakeholders, including individuals, businesses, local authorities, and third-sector organisations. With 492 responses received and 13 public consultation events attended by approximately 900 participants, the feedback was both diverse and substantial.
The consultation comprised 37 questions—23 closed and 14 open-ended—addressing five key areas: water resource planning, drinking water, drainage, wastewater and resource recovery, and paying for services. Responses were gathered through online platforms, emails, and public engagement events.
The need for a sustainable and resilient water supply in Scotland was emphasised. The consultation highlighted the absence of a legal framework for water resource planning, which currently hampers understanding future demands and water availability. Respondents broadly supported the proposed actions to:
- Create a legislative framework for integrated water resource planning.
- Ensure environmental and social benefits through a resilient water system.
- Adapt to climate change to protect Scotland’s water resources.
Ensuring a reliable supply of safe drinking water, especially during dry periods and climate change impacts, was another focal point. Proposals included:
- Managing emerging risks to drinking water sources.
- Reducing demand for drinking water through education and behaviour change.
- Ensuring safety in all drinking water supplies, including private ones.
While most respondents agreed with these proposals, there was significant support for water metering to incentivise reduced consumption.
Addressing extreme weather events and their impact on drainage systems was crucial. Proposals included:
- Integrating drainage principles from flood risk management into legislation.
- Encouraging blue-green infrastructure to manage rainwater.
- Planning and investment for new drainage infrastructure.
Respondents emphasised the need for combined grey and blue/green infrastructure and highlighted the importance of collaborative planning.
The consultation underscored the necessity of adapting wastewater management to climate change and promoting resource recovery. Key proposals included:
- Creating a legislative framework for wastewater collection and treatment.
- Reducing the risk of emerging contaminants.
- Supporting a circular economy through resource recovery.
Public responses highlighted the importance of preventing household items from clogging sewer systems and supported the testing of private wastewater treatment systems.
The discussion on investment and service charges revealed mixed opinions. While there was broad agreement on recognising three distinct services—water, wastewater, and drainage—there was a preference for metering or occupancy-based charges over the current Council Tax Band system.
The findings and future directions from the consultation align closely with the One Health agenda, emphasising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The OHBP, committed to fostering collaborative approaches to health challenges, recognises the importance of sustainable water management in safeguarding public health and the environment.
The OHBP supports the Scottish Government’s efforts to create robust frameworks for water resource planning, enhance drinking water safety, improve drainage systems, and innovate in wastewater management. These initiatives contribute to a healthier ecosystem, reflecting the OHBP’s mission to integrate health considerations across sectors.
To read the Water, wastewater and drainage: consultation analysis please visit the Scottish Government’s consultation report.
