SEPA: Significant water scarcity warnings despite the rain

Water scarcity situation now Significant in River Tyne, with more catchments expected to follow

• The Tyne catchment in East Lothian has reached Significant Scarcity and water abstractors are being contacted about possible licence suspensions
• Suspensions remain in force in parts of the Tweed catchment, with the rest of the catchment expected to reach Significant Scarcity in the coming days.
• The Ythan catchment in Aberdeenshire is also expected to join the Tyne and Tweed in Significant Scarcity in the next few days.

River and groundwater levels are critically low in the Tyne catchment in East Lothian, with the area reaching Significant water scarcity in the latest report published by The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Businesses reliant on water abstractions are being contacted about next steps and possible licence suspensions to prevent further harm and potentially irreversible damage to the local water environment.

SEPA officers will be engaging with abstractors where suspensions are required to ensure compliance and advise restrictions will be lifted as soon as conditions improve sufficiently.

Parts of the Tweed catchment in the Scottish Borders remain in Significant water scarcity with suspensions on abstractions still in place. The rest of the area is also expected to reach this level in the coming days, along with the River Ythan catchment in Aberdeenshire.

Nathan Critchlow-Watton, Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, said: “Although we have seen some rainfall in these areas over the last week, it has not been enough to make up for the long-term deficits that have built up throughout the year.

“With more prolonged dry weather forecast, we will continue to monitor conditions and take appropriate action until the risk of water scarcity has reduced.

“Suspensions are part of Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan, which is designed to ensure the correct balance is struck between protecting the environment and providing resource for human and economic activity during prolonged dry periods. They are a last resort and SEPA only takes such action when the evidence tells us it can no longer be avoided.

“It is vital that business reliant on local water environments are prepared for these conditions as climate change means water scarcity is becoming a more regular occurrence. We are already seeing that this summer and we are committed to working with those affected now and in the future to help them build resilience.”

Further advice and guidance

Businesses may be able to switch to groundwater as their source and can apply to do so on our website. Applications from Significant Scarcity areas will be prioritised and fast-tracked.

Anyone concerned about meeting licence conditions or wishing to discuss contingency measures are encouraged to contact SEPA by emailing waterscarcity@sepa.org.uk

While SEPA focuses on managing abstractions from Scotland’s natural water resources for agriculture and other industrial uses, Scottish Water maintains public water supply.

For more information on water scarcity and to view the latest report, visit www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity.