Scottish Water teams up with partners to tackle anti-social behaviour and promote water safety

With a significant increase in visitors at reservoirs over the busy summer holiday period, Scottish Water has been teaming up with various partnership organisations to help engage and educate visitors.

Working with Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), local authorities and other ranger services, Scottish Water Reservoir Rangers have been engaging directly with visitors through pop-up events, joint patrols and school talks.

The partnership approach is aimed at reinforcing messages around the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and the importance of staying safe in and around water.

At Gladhouse Reservoir in Midlothian alone, Scottish Water’s Reservoir Rangers recorded hundreds of instances of irresponsible behaviour – including littering, dirty camping, unextinguished campfires (particularly dangerous during wildfire warnings), and visitors entering the water without appropriate buoyancy equipment. Similar issues have been reported at reservoirs across the country.

“While we want everyone to enjoy our beautiful sites, it is important they do so safely and with respect for the environment and for others”

Donna Mills
Scottish Water Land Strategy Team Manager

Falling water levels have also created additional risks at some sites, with deep mud and soft ground exposed around reservoir edges. This can look firm but is not safe to walk on, and hidden silt can trap feet like quicksand — so visitors are urged to stay well clear.

Scottish Water Land Strategy Team Manager Donna Mills said: “We have Reservoir Rangers working at key sites to engage with visitors. While we want everyone to enjoy our beautiful sites, it is important they do so safely and with respect for the environment and for others.

“By working alongside our partners on patrols, we’ve been able to have even more impactful conversations with the public thanks to the visible support of those we work with.

“It is also crucial to build close relationships for responding to more severe situations, such as water safety incidents, wildfires, storm events, and when our Rangers encounter any illegal activity.”

Scottish Water recently held a pop-up event with the Midlothian PAWS (Partnership Approach to Water Safety) group at Gladhouse Reservoir.

Representatives from Police Scotland, SFRS and local water sports company Driftwood attended, with water safety the key focus.

Local young adult charity, Youth 2000 Dalkeith, also took part in a practical water safety session delivered by Driftwood. This event highlighted the importance of knowing how to stay safe in and around water.

The Midlothian PAWS group has also visited a number of high schools, engaging with around 1,000 pupils so far in 2025.

“By reaching pupils directly, we can give them the knowledge and confidence that could one day save lives”

Brian Aitchison
Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Watch Commander and Chair of the Midlothian PAWS group

Brian Aitchison, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Watch Commander and Chair of the Midlothian PAWS group, said: “Educating young people about the dangers in and around water is absolutely vital. By reaching pupils directly, we can give them the knowledge and confidence that could one day save lives.

“Alongside school visits, our joint patrols and pop-up events have been an excellent way to engage with the wider community and raise awareness of safety issues — from water risks to the dangers of uncontrolled campfires, especially during the warmer, drier weather. These conversations are crucial in helping people understand the risks and how to enjoy our outdoor spaces responsibly.

“The Midlothian PAWS group is already making a really positive impact, and I look forward to continuing this important work with our partners in the months and years ahead.”

Multi-agency events and joint patrols have been taking place right across the country, with support from regional Police Scotland and SFRS teams, alongside other partners including Forestry and Land Scotland, Pentland Hills Regional Park and the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

A new digital approach has also been taken by Scottish Water to target younger audiences through TikTok and Instagram. Short videos featuring Reservoir Rangers highlighting the do’s and don’ts of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code has been a key feature this summer.