With regard to a potential shortage of water, living in Scotland I would have thought that would not be an issue. However, there was some temporary disruption to water supplies in parts of Glasgow earlier this year, due to fire hydrant vandalism; and some areas in the countryside were also affected by water shortages--possibly due to the lack of rain we experienced.
So water conservation is important: using less water, e.g. for bathing and washing up; reusing water, e.g. watering plants with dishwater and finding ways to collect rainpipe water.
Finding water substitutes (this one I'm not sure of, other than substituting different drinks for water. As far as cleaning or other uses of water, I don't know).
Stockpiling water--if feasible--to provide a temporary alternative supply.This could be as simple as keeping a supply of water in bottles/tanks/etc. for times when the supply is cut off (and a good idea to regularly use up and replenish this supply so you're not stuck with stale water). And keeping a supply of water decontamination tablets.
If relevant, finding efficient ways to carry water over a distance (still common in Africa).
The quality of water is also key, i.e. having regular access to a supply of clean water. This is likely the responsibility of the local authority or region, with alternative sources put in place when the water supply is contaminated.

I spent some time talking to a parish councillor about a new housing development near to where I live; and about what was being down to protect the natural environment, water sources, and drainage - as well as for people, and their safety. The housing is near to a fast road and there is a local debate about where and how to locate a road crossing. One view frames the potential location from the perspective of drivers; the other from pedestrians... I think the foot bound one should win, to make it nearer to the centre of the development, and the traffic slowed to deal with it. It's complex!

The results (using the Scotland Home Energy Check) were a bit different to what I was expecting: initial estimated electricity costs considerably higher than my actual bills, and results (after filling in all of the detail) that showed not as much saving as I expected--£84 (9.4%) off of an annual bill of £895, after a suggested expenditure of almost £2100 for moving to low energy lighting and replacement of my almost 20 year old combi boiler (both of which are at the top of my list for energy saving improvements). And I don't quite understand why the survey didn't ask for energy usage in kWh as opposed to (or in addition to) the £ amounts that were asked for.

I believe that perhaps what might have skewed the results are a) inaccurate answers to some of the questions (not being entirely sure of the correct answer); and b) energy usage that probably differs from the norm (e.g. two of my three bedrooms are used primarily for storage, and never heated during the winter).

I feel that with more detail to the questions and accurate answers the results might be more enlightening. I'll likely go and have a chat to Home Energy Scotland to find ways to improve the accuracy of the audit.

I have found a local recycling centre in Frome. Who although does specify household waste - I have found that I can drop all my plastic from food at this depot to be recycled.