Water

Water is an essential resource and, in order to lead healthy lives, people need a reliable supply of clean drinking water. Water is also used in the industrial processes we depend on for food, energy and the production of many of the products we use daily. Water is vital for human development.

In Govan, approximately 93% of the public water supply comes from surface water. Water is pumped from a freshwater loch, Loch Katrine, and is treated at a treatment works in Milngavie in the north-west of Glasgow, before reaching Govan. Water quality in Govan is very high with 99.9% to 100% met the standards under the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland. Scotland has an abundance of fresh surface and groundwater. However, the impacts of the climate emergency has led to longer periods of dry weather and lower levels of rainfall during spring and summer, when water demand is at its highest. The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency has given an early warning to Scotland for the risk of water scarcity, with the Govan area placed on ‘Alert’. However, extreme weather and intense rainfalls due to climate change have increased the risk of flooding from the River Clyde.

What ideas can you come up with, in partnership with the community, to improve Govan's ability to cope with extreme weather, whether it be periods of extended drought or exceptional rainfall?

1. Flood risk management

Urbanisation can lead to increased flood risks as rainfall turns into surface runoff. Derelict and vacant land poses a notable flood risk for Govan. What ideas can you come up with to address the predicted increasing flood risk that enhances Govan’s green space and biodiversity and creates a quality place for people?

2. Water usage efficiency

Get Water Fit is an interactive online tool, designed to help residents and businesses save water, energy and money. Can you come up with any ideas to help inform residents of their water usage and support local climate resilience?

3. Ecology

The Govan Wetlands provide multiple ecological and community benefits while reducing the need for freshwater supplies. What solutions can you come up with to effectively use Govan’s spaces to benefit the community through multiple uses.

[*1] This project spans several design areas

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