Key Scottish Environment Statistics 2014

This publication aims to provide an easily accessible reference document which offers information on a wide range of environmental topics. It covers key datasets on the state of the environment in Scotland, with an emphasis on the trends over time wherever possible. The data are supplemented by text providing brief background information on environmental impacts, relevant legislation and performance against national and international targets.

This document is part of a collection


Water - Footnotes

1) Figures for the raw water abstracted are collected over the calendar year, as it is part of the corporate data submitted to SEPA. Therefore, for the years shown in the graph, the raw water abstracted figure only reflects the first part of the business reporting year. For example, this means that the figure for 2013/14 reflects the raw water abstracted in 2013.

2) Since 2010, raw water abstracted has been based on metered data. Prior to 2010, it was estimated based on a calculated methodology. Slight corrections were made to the 2007 and 2008 figures in 2010.

3) Treated water produced data is collected over the business reporting year, which is April to March the following year.

4) 2013/14 data subject to Water Industry Commission confirmation.

5) Treated water produced is measured and is the figure reported in the SW Annual Return to WICS.

6) Total Top Down Leakage is the summation of Scottish Water distribution network losses and customer supply side leakage, as calculated using ISO9001 Water Balance methodologies.

7) Operational use includes standpipe volumes, fire service use, hydrant misuse, void property use, as well as use by Scottish Water in Offices, waste water treatment works, the distribution network and sewer jetting.

8) Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland (2001). The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 2001.

9) Only parameters available over the whole period are included in the indicator; thus it is not possible to equate these results with those using the latest classification based on all the parameters in the Water Framework Directive.

10) Data are expressed as mg N/l. To convert to mg NO3/l (nitrate), multiply by 62/14.

11) This applies to most European rivers though for some rivers up to 1 mg N/l is reported. European Environment Agency, 'Indicator Fact Sheet'. '(WEU02) Nutrients in Rivers'.

12) In Aberdeen, Moray, Banff and Buchan; Strathmore and Fife; Lothians and Borders; and Lower Nithsdale.

13) Under The Designation of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2002 and The Designation of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) (No. 2) Regulations 2002 and EC Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) Annex 1A(3).

14) Soluble reactive phosphorus was measured as µg P/l. To convert to µg PO4/l (orthophosphate), multiply by 95/31.

Contact

Email: Kirsty Ciclitira

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