LINK is extremely concerned by the poor reference to the environment and sustainable development in the consultation document. We believe that the principles proposed to guide the future development of Scottish Water are lacking and should be revised to ensure that they are consistent with principles of sustainability. As a public body, Scottish Water has statutory obligations in respect of biodiversity, climate change and sustainable development and, therefore, all of its operations and functions should reflect this. LINK would like to see a water industry that invests in sustainable solutions to improve water quality, reduces leakage, and focuses further on climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. Scottish Ministers have a strong role in securing a sustainable water industry and we hope that this will be demonstrated in the Statement of Ministerial Objectives for the next investment period.
http://www.scotlink.org/files/policy/ConsultationResponses/LINKHydroNation0311.pdf