Alex writes*
Glasgow is predicted to be Scotland’s fastest growing city for the next three years in terms of population and urban development (Scottish Financial Review, 2024). Four million people — 42% of Scotland’s population — live in the city and its surroundings (World Population Review, 2024). Current population and future growth are threatening the waters needed by Glasgow’s people and environment.
Glasgow’s population has seen minimal water source struggles, with little documentation on any sorts of related conflicts. The city had historically used the river Clyde, but quality deteriorated around 1800 and frequent cholera outbreaks forced the city to source its water from Loch Katrine in 1855, which improved quality (Institution of Civil Engineers, 2024).
Moving to modern times, leaks and aging pipes are reducing supply. Scottish Water claims to have “reduced leakage from 1,100 ML/d to 460 ML/d over the last 18 years” (Scottish Water, 2024), but population pressures are increasing, which could lead to conflicts over water allocation and availability in the future.
This outdated and leaky water system also threatens natural water bodies. Knightswood Park is an important green area for residents. Its iconic Knightswood pond provides both recreation and natural habitat (Glasgow City Council, 2024). But pond levels have been dropping for the past five summers and will probably also drop in 2025 (Ava Whyte, 2024). It was rumored that a leak was the cause of falling levels, but the Glasgow City council is still investigating. Residents are upset that swans and coots are pressured to leave or be relocated: “The swans couldn’t fly as they were moulting and had no flight feathers, they were dehydrated and had no natural food” (Ava Whyte, 2024).
Bottom Line: Glasgow’s water system is outdated. It needs to be upgraded to meet growing urbanization while preventing environmental degradation. Can Glasgow balance urban demand with the needs of nature?
* Please help my Water Scarcity students by commenting on unclear analysis, alternative perspectives, better data sources, or maybe just saying something nice 🙂
Hi Alex,
thank you for your post. I was really shocked when I read data for how much water is being lost through leakage. Even the decreased number of 460 ML/d is 25% more than Munich (my case-study city) consumes overall per day.
I ask myself what is it that holds the government from tackling this issue? Is it money, bureaucracy or maybe ignorance? Who is the looser of the issue right now. Is it only nature or do humans already face restrictions in their water consumption too?