WEEKLY WATER SCARCITY REPORT
More parts of Scotland have moved into water scarcity following another week of exceptionally dry weather, with several areas now close to Significant Scarcity.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA) latest weekly water scarcity report shows conditions have deteriorated across much of the country.
The Deveron and Almond catchments have moved into Moderate Scarcity, joining the Tyne (Lothian), Firth of Forth, Firth of Tay, Don (Aberdeenshire), Esk and Tweed.
Water scarcity is now most severe across eastern and southern Scotland, where many catchments are at Alert or Moderate Scarcity. Early Warning conditions form a broad band through the interior of the country and extend into the north and the Outer Hebrides. Much of the north-west and west coast remains at Normal Conditions, although Early Warning is beginning to extend into some western catchments.
Across eastern Scotland, most locations have recorded less than 10mm of rainfall during July, while Angus has received less than 3mm over the past three weeks. Parts of Aberdeenshire and the Cairngorms have also experienced exceptionally dry conditions.
The prolonged lack of rainfall has left soils across much of eastern Scotland very dry, with many rivers experiencing prolonged low flows. Several river monitoring stations are now recording flows amongst the lowest on record.
If exceptionally low river flows continue over the next few days, Berwickshire Coastal, Whiteadder Water, Lower Tweed, Lunan Water, Lower Don, Fife (East Neuk) and North Fife are expected to move into Significant Scarcity.
Significant Scarcity is declared when river flows remain below Q95, a recognised low flow threshold, for 30 days. When a station reaches Significant, SEPA will introduce targeted and temporary restrictions on licensed water abstractions to protect rivers and the wildlife that depends on them.
Any restrictions would be proportionate, based on local conditions, kept under regular review and lifted as soon as conditions improve.
Since the beginning of May, SEPA has published weekly water scarcity reports and worked closely with organisations including NFUS, Farming and Water Scotland and the Scotch Whisky Association to help water users prepare for the season. SEPA have also engaged directly with licensed abstractors in affected areas, providing advance notice of changing conditions and practical advice to help them plan ahead.
With conditions continuing to deteriorate, SEPA are urging farmers, businesses and other licensed abstractors who have not already done so to put those plans into action. This includes reducing abstraction where possible, improving water efficiency, staggering abstractions with neighbouring users where appropriate and implementing contingency plans. These actions can help reduce pressure on rivers and minimise the need for restrictions later in the season.
Anyone can monitor conditions using SEPA’s online Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT), which shows colour-coded monitoring stations across Scotland and how close local areas are to reaching Significant Scarcity.
SEPA will continue to publish weekly water scarcity reports every Thursday throughout the summer so water users can stay informed as conditions change.
Shona McConnell, SEPA’s Head of Compliance, said: “Weeks of exceptionally dry weather are continuing to put pressure on rivers across much of Scotland, particularly in the east where some river flows are now amongst the lowest on record.
“Since the beginning of May we’ve been providing weekly updates and practical advice, while working closely with organisations including NFUS, Farming and Water Scotland and the Scotch Whisky Association, as well as engaging directly with licence holders in affected areas. Our aim has always been to give abstractors as much notice as possible so they can prepare.
“For many abstractors, now is the time to put those plans into action. Reducing abstraction where possible, improving water efficiency, staggering abstractions and making use of contingency plans can all help reduce pressure on rivers and minimise the need for restrictions if exceptionally low river flows continue.
“Our weekly water scarcity reports and Drought Risk Assessment Tool help people understand what’s happening in their local area and plan ahead. If restrictions become necessary, they will be targeted, temporary and only remain in place for as long as they are needed to protect Scotland’s water environment.”
People can also help by reporting signs of water scarcity, including exceptionally low river levels, dry riverbeds and impacts on habitats, through SEPA’s website. These observations complement SEPA’s monitoring network and help build a clearer picture of conditions across Scotland.
The latest Water Scarcity Report, catchment maps, advice for businesses and other water users, and information on reporting signs of water scarcity are available on SEPA’s water scarcity pages.
