ISLANDERS are being told to switch off the tap when brushing their teeth and do a full load of washing to conserve water as dry weather continues in parts of the country.
Residents in the Stornoway area on Lewis are also being advised to install a Save-a-Flush bag provided by Scottish Water which can save a litre of water every time a toilet is used.
The advice was issued to Scottish Water customers on the island yesterday but there are other communities in South Uist, Skye and Lochalsh and Wester Ross which the agency is monitoring closely.
While other areas of Scotland have been suffering downpours and flash flooding, the western seaboard has been enjoying a heat- wave without significant rain for over two months.
Just 4% of normal June rainfall was recorded in the Western Isles.
With the Met Office forecast showing dry weather with only light rain towards the weekend, Scottish Water has urged customers in Stornoway to use water efficiently.
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's customer service delivery director, said: "As drier weather continues in the north-west Highlands and west Highlands, Scottish Water's top priority is to continue monitoring water levels to ensure we can respond where necessary and ensure a water supply to customers is maintained.
"At present we are focusing on the Stornoway area by finding and fixing leaks while encouraging everyone living and working locally to take simple steps to use water wisely.
"Switch off the tap when brushing teeth and do a full load of washing instead of a half load. Toilet flushing uses around 30% of water in the typical home. While people should use their toilet as normal, installing a Save-a-Flush bag provided by Scottish Water can save around one litre of water every time a toilet is used.
"We are and will continue to do everything we can to maintain water supplies."
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