Creating Water Resilience: The Challenges Facing Dufftown

September 20, 2024

You may have noticed our recent news spotlights focusing on the issues affecting Scotland's five whisky regions.


With only one day to go until our upcoming conference: From Source to Spirit: A Distiller's Masterclass to a Climate Resilience Water Supply, we asked our Senior Hydrogeologist, Shona Symon to take it one step further and highlight the issues facing Dufftown itself.


Situated in the heart of Scotland's Speyside region, Dufftown is often referred to as the 'Whisky Capital of the World.' This small town is home to six renowned distilleries, including Glenfiddich, Kinninvie, and Balvenie, all of which are recognised for their significant contributions to the Scotch whisky industry, blending tradition and innovation.


Shona, can you explain the importance of developing more resilient water sources in the future for Distilleries across Dufftown? 


Ensuring long-term sustainability and supporting growth at Dufftown’s distilleries relies on the development of more resilient water sources. Climate change poses a significant threat, particularly in the Speyside region, with climate predictions highlighting

increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and more frequent droughts. Coupled with global demand for whisky rising, there is increasing risk that distilleries may face shutdowns during the summer months unless more reliable water supplies are developed and integrated. 


How do the issues discussed impact Dufftown's distilleries and their existing water supply network?


It is easy to assume that water resources are in abundance in Dufftown. However, with six distilleries operating out of a small town, the local water environment faces significant pressure. All of the distilleries abstract water for process uses from catchments associated with the River Fiddich and its tributaries, which is also the source for each of the distilleries cooling water requirements.


This places significant demand on the local hydrology, requiring careful management to balance industrial demand and environmental sustainability. 


Chris has already made us aware of the threat of climate change on Islay. Does Dufftown face similar problems?


Climate change directly threatens the reliability of Dufftown’s water supply network, as changing rainfall patterns and more frequent droughts place added pressure on the town’s already limited resources. During dry periods, distilleries have to cut back water use to comply with regulatory limits, and during periods of particularly warm, dry weather, shutdowns related to water are not uncommon. This underscores the need for sustainable water management strategies, making adaptation crucial for distilleries to maintain operations in the face of an unpredictable and shifting climate. 


How have you assisted distilleries to develop their water supplies?


Our team has extensive experience assisting multiple clients with their water management challenges. However, navigating complex geology, adhering to increasingly stringent regulations, and managing competition between sites often make these solutions complex. 


We typically begin by evaluating the site’s current water network, including how the site are using their active sources and what changes in water use are expected in the future. Once we have a comprehensive understanding, we offer tailored recommendations to optimise the utilisation of current water sources and potentially introduce new sources into the network to increase resilience. 


Our team is ready to assist new and existing clients facing similar water resource challenges. Contact Shonasymon@envireauwater.co.uk to discuss the challenges at your site.


Oh, and, stay tuned! We'll be sharing a recap of the key issues covered at our Envireau Knowledge event and the essential solutions to help safeguard your distillery's future.



About Envireau Water 


At Envireau Water, we are a team of expert water scientists and engineers, who provide guidance on the management and regulation of natural water systems across the UK. By working collaboratively with our clients and the regulators, we deliver robust sustainable solutions that meet the requirements of all stakeholders. With an incredibly loyal client base and our ability to work seamlessly throughout the four nations of the UK, many of our clients know us individually and trust us to find resolutions to their water problems for years to come. 


Connect with us on LinkedIn to hear the latest industry developments and updates regarding our team. 


Envireau Water is an RSK Group Company. 

Share

World Day to combat Desertification and Drought 2025

By Rachael Plant • June 17, 2025
Desertification and drought are two of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. Exacerbated by climate change, the devastating effects of both can be felt across the globe, with an estimated 40% of the world's population impacted by water scarcity events. As global temperatures continue to rise, and severe weather events increase, regions across the globe face the potential for increased frequency and severity of droughts, often progressing rapidly and unexpectedly. As of 29th May this year, a drought was officially declared in parts of the UK, having experienced the driest start to Spring in over 130 years. Whilst the recent rainfall at the start of June has helped to stabilise concerns, uncertainty for the months ahead still remain. How is the UK landscape affected by drought?

Tom Onslow joins Envireau Water

By Rachael Plant • June 12, 2025
Envireau Water is delighted to welcome Tom Onslow to our North Office in Richmond! Tom joined us at the start of the month from Western Australia, where he gained experience working as a Field Hydrogeologist. Prior to this, Tom graduated from Newcastle University with a Master of Earth Science (MEarthSci). Tom is experienced in both field and desk-based activities, including the supervision of water exploration drilling programs, conducting hydrogeological sampling and logging, carrying out pumping tests and analysis and designing and installing groundwater monitoring networks. Tom has also built a strong foundation in technical reporting, having contributed to a wide range of water-related projects, particularly across the mining sector. At Envireau Water, Tom will continue to develop his hydrogeological expertise and provide technical support across a range of sectors both on site and in the office.

Securing your Water Bottling Plant against Climate Change

By Rachael Plant • June 11, 2025
As the threat of climate change continues to grow, the occurrence of extreme weather events is becoming increasingly common across the UK, with the rising frequency of flooding and drought posing significant challenges nationwide. After the recent dry spell experienced across the UK, one thing is clear: climate change is a hazard affecting all industries and it is more important than ever for businesses to take proactive steps to secure their water supplies against these unpredictable weather events. We asked our Principal Hydrogeologist, Shona Symon , for her thoughts on the matter within the bottled water industry. Shona, can you explain the importance for operators to safeguard their water bottling plant against the impacts of climate change, and what challenges may arise if not adequately protected?
Show More

World Day to combat Desertification and Drought 2025

By Rachael Plant • June 17, 2025
Desertification and drought are two of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. Exacerbated by climate change, the devastating effects of both can be felt across the globe, with an estimated 40% of the world's population impacted by water scarcity events. As global temperatures continue to rise, and severe weather events increase, regions across the globe face the potential for increased frequency and severity of droughts, often progressing rapidly and unexpectedly. As of 29th May this year, a drought was officially declared in parts of the UK, having experienced the driest start to Spring in over 130 years. Whilst the recent rainfall at the start of June has helped to stabilise concerns, uncertainty for the months ahead still remain. How is the UK landscape affected by drought?

Tom Onslow joins Envireau Water

By Rachael Plant • June 12, 2025
Envireau Water is delighted to welcome Tom Onslow to our North Office in Richmond! Tom joined us at the start of the month from Western Australia, where he gained experience working as a Field Hydrogeologist. Prior to this, Tom graduated from Newcastle University with a Master of Earth Science (MEarthSci). Tom is experienced in both field and desk-based activities, including the supervision of water exploration drilling programs, conducting hydrogeological sampling and logging, carrying out pumping tests and analysis and designing and installing groundwater monitoring networks. Tom has also built a strong foundation in technical reporting, having contributed to a wide range of water-related projects, particularly across the mining sector. At Envireau Water, Tom will continue to develop his hydrogeological expertise and provide technical support across a range of sectors both on site and in the office.

Securing your Water Bottling Plant against Climate Change

By Rachael Plant • June 11, 2025
As the threat of climate change continues to grow, the occurrence of extreme weather events is becoming increasingly common across the UK, with the rising frequency of flooding and drought posing significant challenges nationwide. After the recent dry spell experienced across the UK, one thing is clear: climate change is a hazard affecting all industries and it is more important than ever for businesses to take proactive steps to secure their water supplies against these unpredictable weather events. We asked our Principal Hydrogeologist, Shona Symon , for her thoughts on the matter within the bottled water industry. Shona, can you explain the importance for operators to safeguard their water bottling plant against the impacts of climate change, and what challenges may arise if not adequately protected?

Bethan Joule joins Envireau Water

By Rachael Plant • June 10, 2025
We're thrilled to welcome Bethan Joule to our growing Shrewsbury office! Bethan joins us as a Senior Hydrogeologist, bringing over six years of experience in technical roles at Wardell Armstrong. Prior to this, she graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with an MSc in Environmental Engineering in 2019. Bethan is experienced in preparing abstraction licence applications, delivering Hydrogeological Risk Assessments (HRAs), and overseeing a wide range of site investigations — including borehole drilling and hydrogeological testing - across multiple sectors, including minerals, waste, and construction. At Envireau Water , Bethan will be continuing to provide similar hydrogeological services to our extensive client base whilst also developing complimentary skills across our broad range of sectors.
Show More