Aberdeenshire residents have been warned the region could soon face a water shortage following below-average rainfall.
It is understood there is increasing pressure on water supplies and forecast rain is not expected to replenish supplies sufficiently.
Aberdeenshire Council and Scottish Water are preparing to provide support to properties which experience water shortages and are encouraging everyone to use water wisely.
Both agencies are working with the Scottish Government to assist those in the area whose private supply is running dry, at no cost.
The on-going global health crisis has presented additional challenges to private water supply users, as support and the options available to affected residents become limited.
In anticipation of supplies running dry, the council has advised that private supplies should be secure with no leaks, showers should be timed and washing machines and dishwashers should be fully loaded.
The region is home to to the highest number of private water supplies of any local authority in Scotland and experienced a similar drought back in 2018.
Council officials have expressed concerns that significant rainfall would be required to replenish supplies, weather that is not expected in the near future.
They have warned that without the influx of rain, water could become contaminated and that users should be wary.
Environmental Health team manager, Louise Cunningham, said: “We are assisting where we can and would encourage anyone who is having issues with their private supply to get in touch with us, both about short-term solutions and thinking about the longer term.”
Users of untreated supplies may be eligible for grant funding towards treatment and have been advised that water should be boiled before being made use of.
