Scotland drinking water remains high quality despite rise in complaints

Scotland’s drinking water remains among the best in the world, with 99.88% of 137,947 regulatory tests meeting required standards in 2025. However, the Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR) noted a slight reduction in performance compared to 2024.

David Reynolds, the Drinking Water Quality Regulator, stated that while the water is safe and of high quality, too many short-lived, avoidable incidents have occurred. The regulator emphasized that addressing these issues is vital to maintaining public trust.

Scottish Water reported 17,558 consumer complaints in 2025, a 5% increase from the previous year, primarily regarding discoloured water. Additionally, the number of water quality incidents requiring detailed investigation rose to 36, up from 34 in 2024.