The document finds that areas such as north-east Scotland, Ayr and Irvine had sufficiently low water levels to justify being moved to the highest level of alert.

“North East Scotland, North Highland and the Clyde, Ayr and Irvine have moved to Significant Scarcity due to evidence of ecological impacts resulting from a protracted period of exceptionally low flows,” it states.

“It will require at least a month of rainfall significantly wetter than normal to alleviate the current water scarcity.”

Although heavy rain spells have occurred across parts of the country during the current UK heat wave, it has not been abundant enough to alleviate the very low river levels across Scotland.

Lower river levels have meant an increasing area of river bed is becoming exposed and in parts of rivers where there is water, it is shallow and slow-flowing. The report emphasised the environmental impact this has.

“These conditions have also led to some high river water temperatures, all of which put stress on river plants, fish and other animals.”

Scottish Water has advised citizens to use water “wisely”. Forecasts are unclear as to whether there will be enough inland rainfall to improve the scarcity situation in the country.
“It is highly likely that by the end of July, Scotland will have had the driest six-month period (Feb –Jul) since 1984,” the document commented.

Despite this, normal public water supplies have not yet been affected. The agency plan on coordinating efforts to manage resources consistent with measures outlined in Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan.

“By taking the right steps now, businesses that abstract water can help make the water supplies on which they and others depend last as long as possible through this period.”

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Demand for energy-efficient water heaters is strengthening and solar power is proving uniquely capable of generating clean energy at low cost. The research group predicts growth in the market for solar water heaters will result from these factors as well as a growing awareness of the benefits to energy conservation.

The market for residential installations of solar water heaters was estimated to be worth US$777.2 million in 2016 and is projected to reach US$1.6 billion within the next seven years. This segment of the market includes large and small homes, township properties, and gated communities and households.

One example of the technology is the Evacuated Tube Collector, a device that converts and transfers energy from the sun to power solar water heating systems. It can be used for domestic and commercial hot water heating, pool heating, space heating and air conditioning. Around 773.3 thousand units of the model were sold in 2016. The research firm says further growth of the market within the predicted time frame will depend on economical pricing, improved capacity and greater efficiency.

Another device, known as the Flat Plate Collector, was found to occupy a 30 percent market share of global revenue in 2016. The rate of adoption of these devices, together with their relative low manufacturing costs, puts it on track for sustained growth over the coming decade.

Strict regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions applied in the US and UK are also projected to further boost business by 2025. However, the firm argues Asia Pacific is likely to lead the global industry in terms of revenue throughout the coming seven year period. It argues high growth rates among countries, especially China, will impel large-scale investments in the region for the purpose of research and development, resulting in exponential market growth.

Other key findings from the report include:

• The market for solar water heaters in the US see a compound annual growth rate of 3.5 percent by 2025, based on supportive government regulations and financial benefits offered by business owners.
• Volume of units sold in the UK could reach 126,200 by 2025, the largest share of buyers being residential consumers.
• India’s solar water heater market is predicted to achieve a value of US$218.1 million within the given timeframe. India is one of the biggest potential markets due to large-scale initiatives by the government reduce fossil fuel emissions and switch to renewable sources of energy

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