The Act – Section by Section Part 2 – Fire and Rescue Services Chapter 4 – Water supply Section 20 – Emergency supply by Scottish Water
33.This section re-enacts sections 30(4) and (4A) of the 1947 Act. Subsection (1) places an obligation on Scottish Water to take all necessary steps to increase supply or pressure of water if requested to do so by a relevant authority for the purposes in section 17(2). Subsection (2) allows Scottish Water to shut off water from the mains and pipes in any area to enable it to comply with a request to increase supply or water pressure. Subsection (3) safeguards the relevant authority, Scottish Water or any other person from any liability for anything done by Scottish Water in complying with its obligations. Subsection (4) makes it an offence for Scottish Water, without reasonable excuse, to fail to take any steps which it is obliged to take and provides for a level 5 fine (currently £5,000) on summary conviction.