Tag: drought

Six areas of Scotland at Significant Scarcity as rivers remain low

Six areas of Scotland are now at Significant Scarcity, the highest level, as prolonged dry conditions continue across the east. 

The Upper Don and Lower Don reached Significant Scarcity on Wednesday, with the Lower Tweed catchment being escalated today (Thursday). The North Fife, Ythan and Deveron catchments were announced earlier this week.

Temporary restrictions have been issued on some abstraction licences in these areas, limiting the amount of water that can be taken from the environment.  

This week’s report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows that a number of other areas in the country also remain under pressure. Without sustained rainfall, further eastern catchments are at risk of reaching Significant Scarcity in the coming week. 

Moderate Scarcity  

  • Escalated this week: Findhorn, Firth, Forth and the Dee in Aberdeen. 
  • Already at Moderate Scarcity: Spey, Esk (Angus), Almond, Tyne (Lothian) and wider areas of the Ythan, Firth of Tay Tweed catchments. 

Alert  

  • Escalated this week: Tay, Clyde and Helmsdale 
  • Already at Alert: Orkney and Earn 

Early Warning 

  • Escalated this week: Conon and Ness  
  • Already at Early Warning: Wick, Forth, Esk (Dumfriesshire), Annan, Dee (Galloway), Cree, Irvine and Ayr, Leven (Dumbartonshire), Naver, Thurso. 

How did we get here? 

The current situation is the result of prolonged, cumulative pressures on Scotland’s water environment.

A dry autumn and winter in 2024/2025 meant rivers and groundwater did not receive their usual recharge, and a lack of snow over the winter denied eastern rivers the gradual spring replenishment that snowmelt normally brings.

Every month of 2025 so far has recorded below-average rainfall in the east, leaving rivers increasingly vulnerable. 

While the west of Scotland saw some improvement after heavy rain earlier in the summer, those gains have not been sustained, and conditions there are also beginning to deteriorate. 

Rain is forecast for parts of Scotland over the coming days, with showers expected Thursday and Friday and heavier, more widespread rain likely in the northeast on Saturday. However, it remains uncertain whether this will provide meaningful relief to rivers that have been under sustained pressure for months. 

David Harley, Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, said: “Six areas of Scotland are now at Significant Scarcity, the highest level of water scarcity we have. It’s a critical moment for farmers, businesses and communities who depend on these rivers.  

“We’ve been warning about water scarcity and the impact it could have on Scotland since May and communicating directly with abstractors across the summer.

“We also been working with key partners, including Fisheries Management Scotland, NFUS, Scotch Whisky Association and Scottish Golf to help the country prepare for potential restrictions.

“We’ve spoken directly to farmers, distillers, golf courses, industry and hydropower businesses over the past few months – this should not come as a surprise to anyone.  

“SEPA officers will be out in areas where restrictions are in place, ensuring abstractors understand their obligations and helping with any questions they may have.  

“While rain is forecast in the coming days, it is too soon to know if it will bring real relief. SEPA will keep monitoring conditions closely and take the action needed to protect our rivers, the environment, and the livelihoods that rely on them.” 

SEPA warn of possible water abstraction restrictions next week

Parts of eastern Scotland remain under sustained water scarcity pressure, and a small number of catchments are approaching trigger levels where regulatory restrictions on abstractions may be required early next week.

The latest water scarcity report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows the situation across the country.

SEPA’s four-tier water scarcity scale goes from Early Warning through Alert and Moderate Scarcity up to Significant Scarcity. The most impacted catchments are currently those at Moderate Scarcity.

Moderate Scarcity – Escalated this week: Spey, Almond and Tweed catchments. They join the Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Esk (Angus), Firth of Tay and Tyne (Lothian), which have been at Moderate Scarcity for several months.

Alert – Escalated this week: Earn and Orkney catchments. The Findhorn, Dee (Aberdeenshire) and Firth of Forth catchments remain at this level.

Early Warning – Escalated this week: Forth, Esk (Dumfriesshire), Annan, Nith, Dee (Galloway), Cree and Leven (Dunbartonshire) catchments have been moved from Normal to Early Warning. Wick, Helmsdale, Tay, Clyde, Naver and Thurso catchments remain at this level.

Not enough rain

Localised thunderstorms at the end of last week, including reports of large hail in Dundee and parts of Aberdeenshire, did not change the overall water scarcity picture. Showers were short lived and patchy, often missing the catchments that needed rain most, and on very dry ground intense rain tends to run off rather than soak in – limiting recharge of rivers and groundwater.

Rainfall data underlines how long this situation has been building. On the east coast of Scotland every month since the start of 2025 has been drier than average. In some eastern areas the deficit extends back to June 2024, with 40% less rainfall than the long-term average over that period.

That prolonged shortfall, coupled with the warm, sunny spring and summer has left rivers, soils and groundwater under pressure.

Areas at risk of restrictions

Early Warning, Alert and Moderate Scarcity indicate the situation on a river catchment scale – based on river levels, groundwater and soil moisture.

Significant scarcity is different. It reflects severe, sustained low flows assessed over a period of time, and is the point at which restrictions are likely.

If very low flows persist in the Deveron, Ythan, Upper and Lower Don in Aberdeenshire, North Fife and the Lower Tweed, SEPA expect those areas could move into significant scarcity as early as next week. The agency has been in direct contact with abstractors in the areas most at risk.

SEPA assess water scarcity each week using long term data and on the ground evidence. Where sustained low flows risk long-term environmental harm, the agency can reduce or temporarily stop licenced abstractions. Any measures would be targeted and time limited, reviewed regularly and lifted as soon as flows recover. If restrictions are required, affected licence holders will be notified directly.

Kenny Boag, SEPA’s Head of Environmental Performance (National), said: “Some rivers in the east of Scotland are days away from the point where restrictions may be needed to protect the environment.

“We are speaking directly to licence holders, so no one should be caught off guard. If you abstract water from the environment, you should already have plans in place. Reduce volumes where you can, stagger abstractions and make sure you are following the conditions of your licence.”

When will the rain come?

There remains uncertainty about the weather next week, as the remnants of ex hurricane Erin could influence Scotland’s weather. It’s too early to say what that will mean for individual catchments, and SEPA will continue to monitor conditions closely.

Rivers in eastern Scotland approach critical low levels for the third time

Some rivers in the east of Scotland are once again approaching critical low flow levels, and a number of areas are around two weeks away from potential Significant Scarcity.  

SEPA’s weekly Water Scarcity Report shows that: 

  • Six river catchments remain at Moderate Scarcity – the Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Esk, Firth of Tay and Tyne (Lothian).  
  • There are now six catchments at Alert, with the Almond and Tweed joining Findhorn, Spey, Dee (Aberdeenshire) and Firth of Forth.  
  • Orkney, Thurso and Clyde catchments have been raised to Early Warning. 

There are currently no restrictions on abstraction licence holders.  

Sustained low flows 

This is the third time that parts of eastern Scotland have been approaching Significant Scarcity in 2025. The first was in May during a dry spell of hot, dry weather and it happened again in July after several weeks of high temperatures and little rain. On both occasions rainfall arrived just before regulatory action was required. However, river flows in these areas have never fully recovered to normal, leaving them vulnerable to the current conditions. 

Following a very dry autumn and winter, rivers entered spring with below-average levels. A dry spring and summer have compounded the situation. While the west is mostly back to normal conditions following rain at the start of June, rivers in the east remain particularly vulnerable due to the rain shadow effect and the way these rivers are fed by snowmelt and groundwater. Some eastern catchments experience rainfall levels similar to East Anglia, leaving them more susceptible to prolonged low flows. 

Recent rain has not been enough to offset months of low rainfall and high evaporation. In some areas, river levels remain well below what is typical for the time of year and the ground is dry, meaning much of the water from showers and downpours runs off quickly rather than soaking in. 

Assessing water scarcity 

SEPA uses a combination of river flows, soil moisture, and groundwater data to determine water scarcity levels of Early Warning, Alert and Moderate Scarcity. 

To identify the most severe situations, SEPA uses DRAT (Drought Risk Assessment Tool) stations, which monitor river flows closely. If a DRAT station shows that river flow is at Q95 - a recognised low-flow threshold in hydrology – for 30 consecutive days the catchment is classified as experiencing Significant Scarcity. This science-led approach is used to track environmental conditions and help prevent lasting harm to rivers, lochs and the ecosystems that depend on them.  

If conditions do not improve and these areas move to Significant Scarcity, SEPA will need to take regulatory action. Measures may include limiting or temporarily suspending abstractions where necessary. These decisions will be based on sound science and environmental monitoring, including recognised hydrological low-flow thresholds based on river flow records that span decades. Restrictions will only be in place for the shortest time possible. 

SEPA continues to engage with abstraction licence holders to ensure that those in affected areas are informed and prepared. Everyone from farmers and producers to industry and manufacturers are urged to use water efficiently and manage this shared resource responsibly. Advice is available on SEPA’s website, as well as from SEPA staff contacting abstractors with licences in areas at risk. 

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA’s Senior Manager in Water Industry and Rural Economy, said: “Rivers in eastern Scotland remain under sustained pressure. Approaching Significant Scarcity for the third time this year in some areas highlights the vulnerability of eastern Scotland’s water environment.

“We understand that after such a long period the message may feel repetitive, and it’s easy to assume that rainfall will arrive in time to ease the pressure as it has before. But there’s no guarantee that will happen this time. That’s why it’s vital that businesses continue to stay engaged, understand conditions in their area and take action where needed. 

“Throughout the spring and summer, we’ve been working closely with abstractors in the areas most at risk – including calling licence holders directly. We’ll also continue to work with organisations like NFUS, Scotch Whisky Association and Scottish Golf to ensure advice is shared and impacts are understood. Clear, early communication continues to be provided, so no one is caught off guard.  

“We know how important water is to the Scottish economy, particularly sectors like farming, food and drink, and energy. We also know that without a healthy water environment those sectors cannot thrive.

“As an effective regulator, our role is to balance the needs of businesses with the health of the environment they rely on. It is crucial that these environments do not become so stressed that they struggle to recover, which would reduce the water resources available to those businesses in the long term.” 

SEPA continues to urge all abstractors from farmers and producers to industry and manufacturers to use water efficiently and manage this shared resource responsibly. SEPA staff are contacting abstractors with licences in areas at risk and advice is available on SEPA’s website sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity.  

Scotland’s rivers are still under stress – and summer’s just getting started

Don’t let the recent weather fool you. Despite rain and thunderstorms in the last few days, large parts of Scotland remain at some level of water scarcity. With summer just beginning, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are warning that complacency is a real risk.

While rainfall in late May and early June brought localised relief, it has not reversed the underlying dry conditions. Eight river catchments – the Spey, Deveron, Ythan, Don, Dee, Esk, Firth of Tay and Tyne – remain at Moderate Scarcity, while a further seven – Wick, Helmsdale, Naver, Findhorn, Forth, Almond and Tweed – are at Alert.

SEPA started issuing warnings about the chance of water scarcity in March, after an exceptionally dry Autumn and Winter. Spring 2025 was the second driest in more than 100 years, and the driest since 1964 in parts of eastern Scotland.

Parts of the country have seen below-average rainfall for over a year, and even where recent rain has brought short-term improvement above-average rainfall is still needed for water scarcity levels to recover in some areas.

Since the weekend, rain has been concentrated in the northwest, promoting recovery to Normal Conditions in some areas. DRAT (Drought Risk Assessment Tool) stations have now also reset, including Helmsdale, which was at Significant last week.

Claire Tunaley, Senior Hydrologist – Water Resources Unit, SEPA said: “It won’t take a heatwave for river levels to fall again. With summer only just beginning, and rainfall in the east still well below average, conditions could deteriorate quickly.

“Rivers entered summer already stressed after months of below average rainfall, and the kind of brief periods of rain we can get over the summer often don’t soak in properly or evenly enough to reverse that.

“Less water in rivers means warmer temperatures, lower oxygen, and shrinking channels, all of which increase pressure on fish, aquatic life, and habitats.”

Scotland’s water scarcity levels are grounded in current data, not forecasts. SEPA’s team of specialists maintain and calibrate a national network of river flow stations — a science-led system that gives an accurate picture of pressures on our rivers, lochs, and water supplies.

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA’s Senior Manager in Water Industry and Rural Economy, said: “We don’t wait until the situation reaches crisis point to act, and we don’t expect water users to either.

“Many abstractors have already been planning ahead and taking steps to use water efficiently, especially in areas of Alert and Moderate scarcity.

“We’ve talked to over 400 licence holders across the last few months and welcome the steps that have been taken by farmers, distilleries, industry and others to use water efficiently. We urge them to continue to do that.”

“If you hold an abstraction licence and you’re in an area of Moderate Scarcity, don’t be concerned if we get in touch. We’re still contacting abstractors where rivers are low to ensure they have all the information they need to make decisions about their water use, and to make sure nothing comes as a surprise if further action becomes necessary.”

SEPA will continue to monitor conditions and publish weekly water scarcity reports to help businesses make informed decisions about their water use.

Access to the reports, and SEPA’s DRAT station information, is available at sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity

Rain but not recovery – water scarcity concern remains for much of Scotland

Following rainfall at the beginning of the week, some parts of Scotland have seen temporary improvements in water conditions. However, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is warning that parts of the country, particularly in the east, remain under pressure.

Most of the East Coast from Moray and Aberdeenshire down to the Borders remains at Moderate Scarcity.

The rain has improved ground conditions and permitted widespread recovery in the west. In the south-west, the river catchments of the Almond, Annan, Nith, Dee (Galloway) and Cree have recovered from Moderate Scarcity to Alert. It has also caused a similar recovery in the Almond catchment further east.

To the north, the Leven (Dunbartonshire), Loch Fyne, the Argyll coast, Loch Linnhe, the Lochy (Invernessshire), Loch Shiel, Loch Alsh and Loch Maree have all recovered and are now in Early Warning alongside the Inner and Outer Hebrides. The Awe and Etive area has recovered from Alert to Normal Conditions, due to the heaviest rain falling here.

The rest of Scotland remains at Alert.

Scotland experienced a drier than average autumn, winter and spring, leaving many rivers and aquifers struggling to recharge. Even with recent rain, groundwater remains low in many places.

The UK Climate Projections 2018 (UKCP18) forecast we would see hotter drier summers, heavier but more unpredictable rainfall and growing pressure on water resources. This is part of a long-term shift, and Scotland is already seeing the changes the climate models predicted.

Kenny Boag, Head of Environmental Performance (National) from SEPA said: “We’ve had rain in some areas but not widespread recovery. There has been some relief in parts of the West, for many river catchments the long-term deficit remains. It’s a complex picture, and while we welcome signs of recovery in some areas, most of the East Coast continues to experience water stress.

“Many catchments remain under significant pressure and the water environment is still in a vulnerable state. More rain is forecast over the next few days, but we need sustained rainfall in the right places over weeks, not just days, to make a real difference.

“SEPA continue to work closely with abstractors and sectors using water from our environment in the areas facing sustained water scarcity.

“Clear, early communication is being provided so no one is caught off guard. We know how important water is to the Scottish economy, particularly sectors like farming, food and drink, and energy – but we also know that without a healthy water environment those sectors cannot thrive.

“Balancing economic and environmental needs is at the heart of our role as a regulator. If restrictions are put in place, they will be proportionate and in place for a short time as possible. But we will act where necessary to protect the water environment because it underpins Scotland’s economy, communities and way of life.”

SEPA continues to urge everyone from farmers and producers to industry and manufacturers to continue using water efficiently and manage this shared resource responsibly. Advice is available on SEPA’s website, as well as from SEPA staff contacting abstractors with licences in areas at risk.

  • In Early Warning areas conditions are dry but no action is currently required. Abstractors should begin preparing for potential action.
  • In Alert areas water levels are low. SEPA advises voluntary reductions in non-essential water use.
  • In Moderate Scarcity areas there are clear environmental impacts. Action is expected from abstractors to protect rivers and the species that rely on them.

All of Scotland now at some level of water scarcity

Most of mainland Scotland’s east coast has now moved to Moderate Scarcity, according to the latest Water Situation Report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

River catchments across the Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Dee (Aberdeen), Esk, Firth of Tay, Firth of Forth, Almond, Tyne (Lothian), Tweed and Esk (Dumfriesshire) are now at Moderate.

There has been no recovery elsewhere and most of the rest of Scotland is now at Alert, with only the Inner and Outer Hebrides remaining at Early Warning.

​This follows on from a drier than normal autumn and winter with some areas of the east now having 11 months of below average rainfall. With no significant rainfall currently forecast, it is likely that river and ground conditions will remain very dry over the next week.

All businesses with licences to take water from the environment have a responsibility to use water economically.

Record-breaking dryness

Groundwater levels in Fife and Angus were at their lowest April averages on record, with Newton of Falkland recording the lowest level for April in 28 years. Soil moisture deficits are continuing to increase, and soils are becoming drier than would be expected for the time of year.

In the River Dee in Aberdeenshire records going back 97 years show flows are at their second lowest this early in the year, only 1938 was drier. Typically, the lowest river flows in the Dee occur in July, August or September.

Some parts of Fife have now gone nearly four weeks without measurable rainfall. Across the east river flows are well below normal for this time of year and without significant rain conditions are unlikely to recover soon.

Water scarcity levels

  • Early Warning: Conditions are drying. No action required, but abstractors should start preparing.
  • Alert: Water levels are falling. SEPA advises voluntary reductions in non-essential water use for abstractors.
  • Moderate Scarcity: Environmental impact is clear. Action from abstractors is expected to protect rivers and the species that rely on them.
  • Significant Scarcity: Critical river levels. Restrictions on abstraction licences may be imposed.

Advice to abstractors

SEPA have been contacting abstractors directly to understand more about their water use and provide targeted advice. These conversations are showing that many have already put measures in place to use water more efficiently. As well as direct contact with individuals, all those with a licence in an area at Alert or Moderate Scarcity are receiving messages to remind them of their responsibilities.

Active consultation is ongoing with organisations across Scotland, including NFU Scotland, Fisheries Management Scotland, Golf Scotland, Scotch Whisky Association and Scottish Water to help share important information and ensure that advice and support is available.

If your business abstracts water from the environment, here’s what you need to do:

At Alert:

  • Check and maintain abstraction equipment
  • Review your water use plans
  • Reduce non-essential water use
  • Consider low-water irrigation techniques or alternative scheduling

At Moderate Scarcity:

  • Actively reduce water use, particularly during peak daylight hours
  • Coordinate with neighbours to optimise shared use
  • Consider alternative sources or reduced production if possible

Claire Tunaley, Senior Hydrologist – Water Resources Unit, SEPA said: “We’re seeing the kind of conditions we normally associate with late summer in some places – and it’s only May.

“Groundwater and river levels across the east are already hitting record lows. In Fife and Aberdeenshire, we’re seeing some of the driest conditions in living memory for this time of year. With parts of Scotland now at 11 months of below average rainfall it will take above-average rainfall over an extended period to recover to normal levels, especially for groundwater levels.

“Our message is clear: if you abstract water from our environment – whether you work in agriculture, energy, industry, distilling, food and drink or the leisure sector – you must take action now to help protect your operations and help safeguard Scotland’s rivers and wildlife in the weeks ahead.”

Everyone can use water more efficiently

Scottish Water is calling on people to use water as efficiently as possible in homes and gardens and help the utility protect resources and maintain normal supplies across the country.

The public water supply is resilient, and Scottish Water is continuously monitoring the levels of storage throughout the country to maintain supplies, but there has been an increase in water use by customers in the past weeks. The amount of water the company put into the network across Scotland has had to be increased from mid-April by 150 million litres per day.

Scottish Water is urging people to help save water by:

  • using water efficiently in the garden and outdoor spaces by using a watering can instead of a garden hose where possible and avoiding using sprinklers
  • taking shorter showers
  • turning the tap off when brushing teeth
  • using washing machines and dishwashers only when fully loaded
  • using a bucket and sponge rather than a hose to wash the car.

Scotland announces £350,000 drought relief for Southern Africa

Aid for communities suffering worst drought in a century

Thousands of drought-affected households in Zambia and Zimbabwe will receive support from the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund.

Christian Aid and the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) will each receive £175,000 to enable both charities to provide cash to communities to meet their immediate basic needs, including food and safe drinking water.

SCIAF will support 1,530 households in Zambia with cash transfers of 600 kwacha, equivalent to £17 a month. Christian Aid will provide cash transfers to 562 drought-affected household in Zimbabwe and promote services that work to prevent gender-based violence, which can increase during times of instability following major disasters.   

First Minister John Swinney said: “Between a record drought exacerbated by the climate crisis and ongoing cholera outbreaks, the current situation in Southern Africa looks very bleak.

“This funding will ensure people in some of the hardest hit communities can put food on their families’ tables, buy basic essentials, and safe drinking water – which is critical to prevent further spread of cholera.

“Scotland must fulfil its role as a good global citizen and a big part of that is supporting those who have contributed the least to climate change, through the worst of its effects.”

SCIAF Chief Executive Lorraine Currie said: “Right now, people in Zambia and neighbouring countries in Africa are at crisis point, with failed harvest after failed harvest.

“The root cause is climate change, which is ravaging the region. It’s making weather patterns more extreme with more intense, more frequent droughts, floods, and heat waves. Rural areas, where most people farm to feed themselves are the hardest hit.

“This funding from the Scottish Government will literally save lives. Working through our local partners, we will make sure the most vulnerable people are reached with cash grants which will give them the freedom to quickly buy what their families need to survive. These are our sisters and brothers and we will not forget them.”

Christian Aid’s Zimbabwe Country Director Aulline Chapisa said: “We’re deeply grateful for the Scottish Government’s commitment and support. This funding will enable 562 vulnerable households to access essential food items and will be delivered by our local partner the Zimbabwe Council of Churches. It will also help to significantly reduce levels of gender-based violence by improving access to information and support services.  

“Sadly we know that during times of crisis and food insecurity cases of domestic violence increase. Additionally, with extra funding from Christian Aid, we’ll be improving access to safe water supplies and supporting people to diversify their means of earning a living. Ultimately this project is about life saving food assistance and building resilience and wellbeing in these communities.”

£100 million new aid for over three million vulnerable Ethiopians as humanitarian crisis deepens

  • UK Government announces new aid to save the lives of mothers and babies in Ethiopia as UK warns of growing risk of humanitarian catastrophe.
  • The funding comes as the UK’s Development and Africa Minister, Andrew Mitchell, returns from a 2-day visit to the country,  witnessing the humanitarian crisis first hand
  • UK calls on the international community to step up efforts to prevent a major crisis

More than three million Ethiopians, including mothers and babies, will receive lifesaving help from the UK through a new humanitarian aid programme and further support for the Tigray region. The uplift has been announced by UK Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell following a two-day visit to Ethiopia.

While in Ethiopia, Mr Mitchell set out a series of actions the UK is taking to help stem the worsening tide. He announced a new UK fund worth £100 million for Ending Preventable Deaths that is targeted on children, particularly children under the age of five, and also on pregnant and post-natal women.

The programme will help more than 3 million Ethiopians – mostly women and children – access essential health services. The funding will increase, among other things, access to family planning support, medicines, and childhood vaccinations.

In addition, emergency funding will help 75 health centres tackle malnutrition and other preventable causes of death such as malaria and cholera.

Across northern Ethiopia, millions of people are facing hunger. War and climate change have crippled crop production and driven people off their lands. The conflict in Tigray has left more than 1 million people displaced.

The combination of conflict and failed harvests in northern Ethiopia have plunged over 3 million into a state of critical food security and hunger. Millions more people are in need, with women and young children in particular, severely affected.

The Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell said: “The crisis is a wake-up call to the world. Food shortages are at a critical level. War has displaced people and decimated vital infrastructure. Climate change and El Nino have fuelled local exoduses with 400,000 displaced in the Somali region of Ethiopia as of last December. 

“Millions are trapped in displacement, hunger and need.  As ever the most vulnerable people, particularly women and children, are the first to be hit.

“The international community needs to come to Ethiopia’s side and work with our friends in the government and international partners to halt and reverse this crisis. In a region that has experienced the horrors of famine in the past, we must ramp up international efforts to avert a major crisis in the near future. We need to act fast and act now.”

The Government and international donors are responding to the needs of 6.6 million people. But as the Minister has warned, the number of critically food insecure people is growing rapidly and will reach 10.8 million in the coming months. 

 Mr Mitchell stressed that while the UK is taking positive action which will save lives on the ground, its efforts alone will not be sufficient to contain the crisis, and that urgent cooperation with international partners and agencies and government will be necessary to prevent the worst.

Meeting with the Government of Ethiopia, he also discussed the UK’s humanitarian commitment to Ethiopia, to women and girls, ending internal conflict, and issues affecting regional stability, including the recent Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and the Somaliland authorities on access to the Red Sea.

SEPA: Water abstraction licences suspended in Fife to protect sustainability of local environments

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is suspending water abstractions for most licence holders in mid and north Fife as river and groundwater levels become critical in the east of Scotland.

The water environment in the River Eden catchment reached Significant Scarcity last week, the highest category for water scarcity defined by SEPA, and is getting worse with hot and dry weather continuing.

The Tweed catchment in the Borders is in a similar situation and has also now reached Significant Scarcity in the latest report published today, Friday 12 August.

A temporary suspension on water abstraction licences is being imposed from midnight on Saturday 13 August for the vast majority of farmers in the River Eden catchment to allow levels to recover. We’re working with Scottish Government to assess the options around soft fruit production, which is a perennial crop and typically has more efficient irrigation methods and a lower water impact.

Abstractors in the Tweed catchment are also being contacted to confirm next steps and any licence suspensions in this area will take effect early next week.

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. 

The Plan clearly sets out what actions SEPA and abstractors are required to take at each stage of water scarcity. Suspensions are predominantly within the agriculture sector, will be for the minimum time necessary and will be lifted as soon as possible.

Those abstractors affected will receive suspension notices. Continuing to abstract without a licence is an offence, and SEPA officers will be visiting abstractors to ensure compliance.  As soon as conditions improve, we will lift the suspensions.

David Harley, Interim Chief Officer Circular Economy for SEPA, said: “Having to impose suspensions on water abstractions underlines the severity of the conditions being experienced in the east of Scotland this summer. It is not a step we take lightly, but the evidence is clear, and it is one we can no longer avoid.

“We’re working closely with Scottish farmers to ensure the sustainability of local water environments for all who rely on them. Without action, there is a substantial risk of impacts on fish populations, natural habitats and longer-term damage to watercourses. 

“With climate change leading to water scarcity becoming a more regular occurrence, we are also working to help businesses plan longer-term for these conditions. We remain in continuous dialogue with sectors reliant on water and work with them all year round on ways to become more resilient, protecting the environment as well as their own operations.” 

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

Protecting our water environment

There is clear evidence for the need to suspend abstraction licenses to protect the sustainability of local water environments. The main stem of the River Eden in Fife is at the second lowest level on record; only 1989 was lower. Flows at Kemback have not been as low for this long since 2003 and Strathmiglo is also experiencing its most prolonged low flow period on record.

In the Tweed catchment in the Borders, Lyne Station recorded its fourth lowest flow in 53 years, only 2003 was lower. Mouthbridge at Blackadder Water also dropped to its lowest flow since records began in 1974.

The combination of very low flows and high temperatures in watercourses leads to mortality of fish, invertebrates and plants. While some parts of river ecology can recover quickly, others such as fish and plant populations can take years to recover. Some populations, such as pearl mussels, could be permanently lost.  

The current conditions are a consequence of drier weather this year, with only four of the last 12 months recording above average rainfall. The east of Scotland also experienced the driest January in more than 80 years and groundwater levels are the lowest they have been since records began in 2009. Although there has been some recent rainfall in the east and an immediate increase in river flows, it has not been enough to recover the longer-term deficits. 

Impacts of climate change

Scotland is already seeing the impacts of a changing climate with an increase in water scarcity events over last few years. Climate change is likely to bring more uncertainty and may exert pressure in areas that have not experienced water scarcity before.

The current dry conditions are not just affecting Scotland. According to the European Drought Observatory the area affecting several regions of Europe since the beginning of the year continues to expand. The conditions, which are related to lack of rainfall and early heatwaves mean that 45% of Europe and the UK was in Warning conditions, and 15% in Alert conditions during July.

While mitigation strategies are of the utmost importance now, so is tackling the root cause of the problem. We know that there is locked in climate change we cannot reverse and, as well as adapting to this, Scotland must play its part in a huge reduction in carbon emissions globally so future generations do not face further locked-in change. 

Further advice and guidance

Abstractors 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.  

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

DROUGHT EXPECTED TO BE DECLARED IN ENGLAND

A drought is expected to be declared in many parts of England following a meeting of the National Drought Group later today.

Water environment under stress as parts of Fife reach Significant Scarcity

  • Areas in mid and north Fife are now in a Significant Scarcity situation, with the Tweed catchment counting down to a similar position. 
  • SEPA considers there is now clear evidence for additional steps to protect the sustainability of local water environments in line with Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan. 
  • SEPA to confirm next steps and further engage with farmers next week. 
  • Any actions to protect local water environments would be for the minimum time necessary and would be lifted as soon as possible. 

Parts of Fife have now reached the highest level for water scarcity, as below average rainfall in the east of Scotland continues to cause stress on the environment.  

The latest water scarcity report, published on Friday 5 August, reveals mid and north Fife are now at Significant Scarcity, with the River Tweed catchment in the Borders expected to reach the same level in the next few days. 

In line with Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan, The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is engaging with businesses affected, most of which are in the agriculture sector, and plans to confirm next steps with farmers next week.  

There is clear evidence further action is needed to protect the sustainability of local water environments as the combination of very low flows and high temperatures poses a real threat to fish, invertebrates and plants. While some parts of river ecology can recover quickly, others such as fish and plant populations can be seriously damaged longer-term or lost completely. 

The current conditions are a consequence of drier weather this year, with only 4 of the last 12 months recording above average rainfall. The east of Scotland in particular experienced the driest January in more than 80 years and groundwater levels are the lowest they have been since records began in 2009.  

David Harley, Interim Chief Officer Circular Economy for SEPA, said: “It is clear that a significant area of Scotland’s water environment is stressed from the prolonged dry weather this summer, and conditions are only going to get worse as this continues. Although there has been some recent rainfall in the east, it is not enough to recover the longer-term deficits. 

“SEPA understands the impacts on businesses facing these difficult conditions and supports sectors reliant on water all year round on ways to become more resilient. However, it is vital we work together now to ensure the sustainability of local water environments for all who rely on them. 

“As we’ve seen across Europe, water scarcity is becoming more common as a result of climate change. Water abstractors concerned about meeting licence conditions or wishing to discuss contingency measures are encouraged to contact SEPA by emailing waterscarcity@sepa.org.uk.” 

For more information on water scarcity and to view the latest report, visit:

www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity