After a wash-out summer, Scottish Water has launched three videos urging people to turn off the tap and save water.

The company points out a huge amount of energy is needed to treat and pump water and is urging householders to consider the environment.

It suggests a number of water-saving measures, including taking less time in the shower, turning off the tap while brushing teeth and taking a shower instead of a bath.

Householders are also asked to use a bucket and sponge when washing the car, catch rainwater in a water butt and to avoid using sprinklers.

Washing machines should be fully loaded, vegetables washed in a bowl and the kettle filled with only the water needed.

The three videos were made by the authority's in-house team and used employees as actors.

Keith Phillips, Scottish Water's development planning manager, said a number of initiatives were under way to make Scotland more water-efficient.

The company is undertaking a trial of water-efficient measures in social housing and five housing associations, with 400 homes, are taking part.

Mr Phillips said: "We will be installing meters in the homes to measure the water consumption over three years.

"The meters are currently being installed with a view to the start of the year one trial being some time next year."