Easter Ross dog walker's before and after pictures reveal extent of water drop at beautiful Loch Glass
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THE drastic drops in water levels which prompted a 'scarcity alert' covering large parts of the Highlands has been confirmed by a Ross-shire dog walker who makes frequent trips to a local beauty spot.
At the end of last week, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) added further parts of the Highlands to a scarcity alert saying that recent thunderstorms have done little to alleviate water levels in the region and warned that forecasts for June and July suggest the situation is not likely to improve any time soon.
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Parts of mainland Scotland, the Hebrides and Orkney are now on 'alert' or higher.
The Loch Maree, Loch Torridon, Gairloch and Loch Ewe area is the only part of Scotland at the highest "significant scarcity" level - an alert it has now been at for more than a week.
Alness man Gary Mackay, a regular visitor to Loch Glass, shared photographs taken between April and the present time which show the dramatic changes evident in parts of the county.
Mr Mackay (36), who often walks his three Cocker Spaniels in the area, said: "If you look you can see where the shore line used to be quite recently and where the water line is now. It was pretty surprising to see."
Parts of the loch have become familiar to viewers of reality TV hit, The Traitors, set at Ardross Castle.
Meanwhile last week, Highland Council warned that some private water supplies in the region could run low due to lack of rainfall.
Some surface water supplies are particularly at risk and the council's environmental health team is advising users of private water supplies to take preventative steps to preserve their drinking water.
In the Highlands there are over 2700 private water supplies that serves a population of approximately 40,000. These supplies are in rural areas where no treated mains water is available.
Officers are advising consumers to use water wisely and take time to check their supply system for any leaks and to monitor water levels.
Senior environmental health officer Patricia Sheldon said last week: “In recent days, we have received several reports of private water supply drying up or their source of water is exceptionally low.
"We are offering support to these users and would advise everyone to check their water supplies to try and conserve the use of water as best they can.
"Also think about a contingency plan in case you do run out of water such as buying some bottled water and speaking with any neighbours who may be able to offer water should you need it.
“While the council is not responsible for the maintenance of private water supplies nor required to provide water, a lack of safe drinking water is a significant public health concern. It is for this reason that the Scottish Government has announced a local authority-funded emergency water scheme for the supply of bottled water for drinking.”
Bottled water is available to domestic households where their private water supply has run dry and where users are unable to make alternative arrangements.
Anyone who has concerns about their private water supply, and who feels they may need assistance can contact environmental health on 01349 886603 or email envhealth@highland.gov.uk
Further updates will be issued on the council’s website and social media channels.
Picture or story to share? Email hector.mackenzie@hnmedia.co.uk
