Communities throughout Scotland could soon be better protected against the threat of flooding from reservoirs if plans presented to Parliament today are given the green light.

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham launched the Reservoirs Bill to update legislation governing their management and reduce red-tape. Scotland has more than 1,000 reservoirs, some of which are privately or community owned.

The bill proposes that reservoirs near homes and infrastructure should be subject to a proportionate level of inspections to ensure that nearby residents are protected. All reservoirs with a capacity of 10,000 cubic metres (equivalent to four Olympic sized swimming pools) or more will need to be registered with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and categorised according to risk.

Launching the bill at the Glencorse Reservoir outside Edinburgh, Ms Cunningham said:

"The likelihood of any reservoir failing is extremely low but the consequences of such an event may be devastating. Where there is a risk, we need to ensure that the reservoirs are structurally sound, monitored and well maintained to make sure any risk is minimised.

"These proposals will result in some previously unregulated but higher risk reservoirs being brought under the regime, and this will provide people, property and our infrastructure with a greater level of protection.

"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency will take overall responsibility for enforcing reservoir safety and this will lead to a more consistent approach across the country. SEPA will also be better informed as it will receive details of all ongoing maintenance work and hold a comprehensive database of flood maps.

"The Reservoirs Bill is another step forward in our drive to manage the risk of flooding across the whole of Scotland, regardless of the source. It follows on from the measures we have already taken in the Flood Risk Management Act and underlines our commitment to make ongoing improvements in this area."