Tag: SEPA

Rainfall brings widespread improvement in water scarcity conditions

Recent rainfall has brought a marked improvement in water scarcity conditions across Scotland, with no areas now at Significant Scarcity compared with seven in the previous report.

The latest Water Scarcity Report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows conditions have improved across a number of areas following recent rainfall.

Stonehaven, North Esk, Tay Estuary (North), North Fife, Fife (East Neuk), Whiteadder Water and Berwickshire coastal have all recovered from Significant Scarcity in the last week. The number of areas at Moderate Scarcity has also reduced from five to two, with only Tyne (Lothian) and Tweed catchments remaining at this level.

However, the improvement does not mean water scarcity pressures have ended. River flows, soil moisture and groundwater levels remain low across much of eastern Scotland, and more prolonged rainfall will be needed for a sustained recovery. Without sustained rainfall, the Lower Tweed area could reach Significant Scarcity within the next week.

Among other areas showing recovery this week, Esk (Angus), Firth of Tay and Firth of Forth have moved down to Alert; Deveron and Ythan have moved to Early Warning; and Cree and Spey have returned to Normal Conditions.

Despite the improving overall picture, the underlying indicators continue to show the effects of prolonged dry conditions. River flows remain low to very low across much of eastern Scotland, while the west continues to experience normal to high flows.

Ground conditions also remain dry across parts of eastern Scotland, with only limited improvement in soil moisture in recent weeks. Groundwater levels remain low to very low across much of the east, although levels elsewhere are generally normal or above normal.

Claire Tunaley, Senior Hydrologist in SEPA’s Water Resources Unit, said: “The recent rainfall has helped with recovery, and it is encouraging that we no longer have any areas at Significant Scarcity.

“However, this follows a prolonged period of dry weather and we are not yet seeing a full recovery across eastern Scotland. River flows, soil moisture and groundwater remain low in a number of areas, particularly in the south-east.

“What happens next will depend on the amount and persistence of rainfall we receive. Short periods of rain can improve conditions, but sustained rainfall is needed to replenish rivers, soils and groundwater after a prolonged dry period.”

The latest Water Scarcity Report, together with advice for abstractors and irrigators and SEPA’s Drought Risk Assessment Tool, is available on the SEPA website.

SEPA will continue to publish weekly updates on water scarcity conditions until all areas have recovered to Alert or below. 

Current water scarcity levels

  • Moderate Scarcity: Tyne (Lothian), Tweed
  • Alert: ​Don (Aberdeenshire), Dee (Aberdeen), Esk (Angus), Firth of Tay, Firth of Forth, Almond 
  • Early warning: ​Findhorn, Deveron, Ythan, Tay, Earn 
  • All areas not mentioned above are at Normal conditions

Current data and conditions

The latest information on water scarcity and river conditions is available through:

SEPA’s Water Scarcity Situation Report – 01 October 2026 – the weekly assessment of water scarcity conditions across Scotland.

SEPA’s Drought Risk Assessment Tool – shows low-flow monitoring stations and how close areas are to Significant Scarcity

SEPA’s River Level Network – current river-level information from monitoring stations across Scotland

Rainfall data for Scotland – current and historic rainfall information

Water scarcity and flooding

Scotland can experience flooding and water scarcity at the same time. The two are not contradictory.

Flooding can result from intense rainfall over a relatively short period, while water scarcity reflects the effects of prolonged dry conditions on rivers soils and groundwater. Conditions can therefore vary considerably between different parts of Scotland and individual catchments.

Rain in an area also does not automatically mean water scarcity conditions will improve. After prolonged dry weather, intense rainfall can cause river levels to rise rapidly and lead to localised flooding, but those rises may be short lived. For water scarcity conditions to recover, river flows need to improve sufficiently and remain higher over time.

Dry soils and low groundwater levels can also take longer to recover, meaning sustained rainfall over longer periods may be needed to reverse the effects of prolonged dry conditions.

Water scarcity levels

SEPA uses five levels to describe water scarcity: Normal Conditions, Early Warning, Alert, Moderate Scarcity and Significant Scarcity.

The levels reflect increasing pressure on the water environment. At Significant Scarcity, SEPA may temporarily restrict abstractions from the environment where necessary to protect rivers and ecosystems.

Water scarcity levels relate to the water environment and are not an assessment of public drinking water supplies.

DRAT stations and significant scarcity

SEPA monitors a network of long-established low-flow gauging stations across Scotland to identify when river flows have remained unusually low for a sustained period.

The Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT) shows how many days each station has been below Q95, a recognised low-flow threshold. When a station reaches 30 days below Q95, the catchments it represents move to Significant Scarcity and SEPA will impose any abstraction restrictions required.

Each station represents a defined Significant Scarcity area, which may contain one river or several catchments. As a result, the number of DRAT stations reaching the threshold and the number of areas at Significant Scarcity may be different.

How long water scarcity can last

Water scarcity does not necessarily end at the end of summer. Conditions can improve or deteriorate depending on rainfall and how rivers, soils and groundwater respond.

Further information and support

The National Water Scarcity Plan explains how water scarcity is monitored and managed in Scotland. 

Further information is available on:

Wetter autumn outlook puts Scotland’s flood risk in focus

People across Scotland are being encouraged to prepare and be aware by understanding the information available to them as the latest seasonal outlook points to an increased likelihood of wetter and more unsettled conditions later this autumn and into early winter. 

The current El Niño is now the strongest in the observational record and increases the chances of wetter and stormier conditions across north-west Europe, including the UK. But El Niño is only one influence on our weather and cannot tell us exactly when or where severe weather or flooding will happen. 

That uncertainty makes it important to understand flood risk before severe weather arrives, know where to look for information and think about how flooding could affect the places that matter to you. 

As Scotland’s flood warning authority, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is highlighting the practical steps people can take to prepare and be aware, alongside the network of monitoring, science and specialist expertise behind Scotland’s flood information. 

Across Scotland, SEPA monitors water levels at 392 locations and operates more than 280 automated rain gauges. Many are small pieces of infrastructure people may pass without ever knowing what they are, but the information they collect helps specialists understand changing conditions and contributes to Scotland’s flood forecasting services. 

Eleanore Cooper, SEPA’s Head of Environmental Forecasting, Warning and Informing, said: “Being prepared means knowing your flood risk and looking ahead. Being aware means understanding what information is available, what different flood messages mean and where to find the latest information when conditions change. 

“Flooding doesn’t have to come through your own front door to affect you. That’s why we encourage people to think about the places that matter. It could disrupt the road you use to get to work, your workplace, local services you rely on or somewhere friends or family live.” 

Prepare: know your risk and look ahead 

When unsettled weather is approaching, the Scottish Flood Forecast provides a three-day outlook showing where flooding from rivers, surface water and the sea may occur and the potential impacts. 

Produced by the Scottish Flood Forecasting Service, a partnership between SEPA and the Met Office, the forecast is updated every day. 

Be aware: know what information is available 

Different sources of flood information are designed to do different jobs. 

Regional Flood Alerts provide early information when flooding is possible across a wider area and can cover flooding from rivers, the coast or surface water. 

Local Flood Warnings provide more targeted information when flooding is expected in defined communities where SEPA has the monitoring and forecasting capability to provide them. 

People can register with Floodline to receive Flood Alert and Warning messages for the areas that matter to them and get information sent directly to them. That can include where they live, work or regularly travel through, as well as areas where friends or family live. 

Eleanore added: “No single source tells you everything about flood risk because they are designed to do different things. 

“The Scottish Flood Forecast helps you look ahead to what is expected over the next few days. Flood Alerts give early information across a wider area, while local Flood Warnings provide more targeted information where that service is available. 

Knowing what’s available and how those different sources work together means you are better prepared when conditions change. 

“And Floodline isn’t just about your home address. You can keep an eye on the places that matter to you, whether that’s your workplace, somewhere you regularly travel through or where someone you care about lives.” 

People should also continue to follow weather forecasts and warnings issued by the Met Office, particularly during periods of heavy or persistent rain. 

The science behind the information 

Behind Scotland’s flood information is a network of monitoring, forecasting and specialist expertise that most people never see. 

At river gauging stations across the country, equipment continually monitors changing water levels. SEPA teams also make physical measurements to understand the relationship between the level of a river and the amount of water flowing through it. 

Because rivers and channels change over time, equipment and measurements are regularly checked to make sure the information remains reliable. 

That information is brought together with data from SEPA’s rain gauge network, weather forecasts, computer modelling and specialist judgement to help flood forecasters understand how conditions are developing. 

Bruce Campbell, SEPA Hydrometry National Team Manager, said: “People can pass one of our gauging stations without ever knowing what it is or what it is doing. But sites like these across Scotland are essential so we can continually monitor what our rivers are doing.  

“The equipment is one part of a much bigger system. Our teams maintain the monitoring network, take measurements and check the data, which is then used alongside rainfall information, weather forecasts, modelling and the expertise of our flood forecasting colleagues. 

“All of that work happening behind the scenes helps us build the best possible picture of developing flood risk and provides useful information to communities and first responders across Scotland.” 

The same forecasting expertise also supports Scotland’s emergency preparedness. The Scottish Flood Forecasting Service produces a daily Flood Guidance Statement for Category 1 and Category 2 responders, helping local authorities, emergency services and other organisations prepare for and respond to potential flooding. 

People can view the Scottish Flood Forecast, current Flood Alerts and Warnings and register for Floodline through SEPA’s website at sepa.org.uk/flooding 

PICTURES: River Tweed monitoring at Peebles

Seven areas at Significant Water Scarcity as conditions continue to shift

Seven areas in eastern Scotland are now at Significant Scarcity, as the latest weekly Water Scarcity Report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows a contrasting picture across the country. 

Tay Estuary (North), Whiteadder Water and Berwickshire Coastal have moved to Significant Scarcity this week. They join North Fife, Fife (East Neuk), Stonehaven and North Esk at the highest level on SEPA’s five-tier water scarcity scale.

Low to very low river flows continue across much of eastern Scotland, while most western catchments are experiencing normal to high flows.

Across Scotland, 32 areas are currently at Normal Conditions, five are at Early Warning, five at Alert, five at Moderate Scarcity and seven at Significant Scarcity.

The changing picture highlights the importance of continued monitoring of individual catchments. Conditions have improved in some areas without necessarily returning to normal, while elsewhere very low river flows have persisted for around six weeks. Full recovery of water resources can take a long time following such conditions.

In North Fife and Fife (East Neuk), river flows have remained below the Significant Scarcity threshold for 46 consecutive days. Stonehaven and North Esk have experienced 45 consecutive days of very low flows.

Weekly report, daily monitoring

SEPA publish a national Water Scarcity Report each week during the season, but river conditions are monitored daily through the Drought Risk Assessment Tool.

The tool tracks the number of consecutive days river flows have been very low. When very low flows persist for 30 days, an area can reach Significant Water Scarcity and restrictions on licensed water abstraction may be introduced to protect rivers and the wildlife they support.

Changes to abstraction licences do not wait for the next weekly report. River conditions are assessed daily, allowing restrictions to be introduced where necessary and lifted when flows recover sufficiently.

Abstractors in Lunan Water have also been advised of the potential for restrictions if very low river flows continue. Current monitoring indicates the area could reach Significant Scarcity in around 10 days, although changes in river flows could alter that position.

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA Senior Leader in Compliance, said: “The picture across Scotland remains very mixed. Most western catchments are experiencing normal to high river flows, while parts of eastern Scotland continue to face significant pressure after a prolonged dry spring and summer.

“Some eastern catchments have now experienced very low river flows for around six weeks. In others, conditions have improved enough to reset the count, while elsewhere pressures are beginning to build again.

“That is why close monitoring matters. Our weekly report gives a national picture, but conditions in individual rivers are monitored daily. That means we can see where pressure is increasing or easing and make evidence-led decisions about when action is needed to protect the water environment.

“It also means the position can change between weekly reports. Where restrictions on licensed abstraction are needed, those decisions are based on the conditions we are seeing in rivers, rather than waiting for the next weekly update.”

Pressure remains concentrated in the east

Ground conditions remain dry across parts of eastern Scotland, with only limited improvement seen in recent weeks.

Groundwater levels remain low to very low across much of eastern Scotland, while levels elsewhere are generally normal or above. Loch levels are generally normal to above normal.

The differences between catchments mean recent weather alone cannot provide a complete picture of water scarcity. River flows can respond quickly, while groundwater, soil moisture and the effects of prolonged dry conditions can take longer to recover.

SEPA continue to work directly with abstractors and other water users in affected catchments to help them understand local conditions, prepare for potential restrictions and build resilience to future periods of water scarcity.

The latest Water Scarcity Report, current scarcity levels and the Drought Risk Assessment Tool are available on SEPA’s website.

Current water scarcity levels

Significant Scarcity: Stonehaven, North Esk, Fife (East Neuk), North Fife, Tay Estuary (North), Whiteadder Water, Berwickshire coastal

Moderate Scarcity: Esk (Angus), Firth of Tay, Firth of Forth, Tyne (Lothian), Tweed

Alert: Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Almond, Dee (Aberdeen)

Early warning: Spey, Tay, Cree, Findhorn, Earn

All areas not mentioned above are at Normal conditions.

SEPA: Autumn rain fails to reverse impact of dry spring and summer

The effects of Scotland’s dry spring and summer are continuing to impact eastern Scotland, with four further areas days away from reaching the highest water scarcity level, potentially bringing the total at Significant Scarcity to eight. 

The latest weekly Water Scarcity Report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows North Fife, Fife (East Neuk), Stonehaven and North Esk remain at Significant Scarcity. 

Tay Estuary (North), Whiteadder Water, Berwickshire Coastal and the Lower Dee and Water of Feugh areas are now approaching the same level. 

Six of these eight areas have already experienced Significant Scarcity this year. 

Rainfall allowed river levels in the six previously affected areas to recover temporarily but did not reverse the underlying deficit which has built up over months of dry weather.  

Recent rain has not brought lasting recovery 

Further showery rain is forecast over the coming days. This may bring localised and short-term improvements, but sustained and widespread rainfall will be needed for a lasting recovery, particularly across eastern Scotland. 

River flows remain low to very low across much of the east, with many catchments continuing to experience prolonged low flows. Ground conditions remain dry despite some recent improvement, while groundwater levels are also low to very low across much of the region. 

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA Senior Leader in Compliance, said: “Looking out of the window, it may feel as though Scotland has had plenty of rain. But our monitoring shows that showers passing through have not reversed the effects of the prolonged dry weather. 

“Think of exceptionally low river flows as the red zone on a car’s fuel gauge. Recent rain put some fuel back in the tank and helped these rivers move out of that red zone for a time, but it did not refill the tank. River levels have fallen again and the warning light is coming back on. 

“That is why our decisions are based on environmental monitoring and long-term scientific evidence, not simply the weather we have experienced over the past few days. Our monitoring network allows us to see what is happening in rivers across Scotland and compare current conditions with records collected over many years. 

“The question is not simply whether it rains, but how much rain falls, where it falls and whether it is sustained for long enough to replenish rivers, soils and groundwater.” 

Compliance and resilience 

SEPA carry out compliance inspections when areas reach Significant Scarcity to ensure temporary restrictions on licensed water abstraction are being followed. Inspections carried out in the Fife area have found 100% compliance. 

Officers have also seen investment in off-line water storage, allowing water collected when it is available to be used later without adding pressure to rivers when flows are critically low. 

While most seasonal irrigation has now ended, some farmers still require water for later crops, including brassicas. Investment in storage means those businesses are more resilient and better able to continue operating towards the end of the growing season. 

Eilidh added: “Our inspections in Fife have found excellent compliance with the restrictions that are in place. We have also seen the benefit of businesses planning ahead and investing in resilience, including off-line storage which reduces their reliance on rivers when water levels are critically low. 

“Businesses which abstract water should continue to check the latest information, follow their water scarcity plans and use water as efficiently as possible.” 

What does significant scarcity mean 

Significant Scarcity is reached when river flows at a representative monitoring station remain below Q95 for 30 consecutive days. Q95 is an exceptionally low flow which, based on long-term records, would on average only occur 18 days per year.  

If low flows continue and the four approaching areas reach the threshold, affected licence holders will be required to stop abstracting water. Most seasonal irrigation in those areas has already ended, but formal restrictions will still be issued where applicable to protect rivers and the wildlife that depend on them. 

Restrictions are targeted and temporary. They are kept under regular review and lifted when conditions improve sufficiently. 

SEPA publish weekly Water Scarcity Reports throughout the summer, using information from Scotland’s environmental monitoring network to provide advance warning of changing conditions and help water users plan ahead. 

Anyone can monitor local conditions using SEPA’s online Drought Risk Assessment Tool, which shows how close monitoring stations are to reaching Significant Scarcity.

Recent rain has not erased dry summer’s impact on Scotland’s east coast rivers

Recent rainfall has not been enough to reverse the impact of months of dry conditions on parts of Scotland’s east coast, with four areas now at Significant Water Scarcity. 

North Fife and Fife (East Neuk) have returned to Significant Scarcity for the second time this year, while Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire and North Esk in Angus have reached the level for the first time. 

The latest weekly Water Scarcity Report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows conditions are continuing to vary considerably across Scotland. 

In the Scottish Borders, Upper Tweed and Mid Tweed and Lauderdale have recovered from Significant Scarcity following recent rainfall. There has also been some recovery in the Earn, Almond and Dee in Galloway. 

But very low river flows continue across parts of eastern Scotland, where a rainfall deficit built up over the spring and summer has proved harder to reverse. Parts of Fife have received below-average rainfall since March and significant further rainfall will be needed for widespread recovery. 

Rainfall can raise river levels relatively quickly, but this does not necessarily reverse the effects of months of dry weather. Where river flows, soils and groundwater have been depleted over a longer period, sustained rainfall is needed for conditions to recover. 

North Fife and Fife (East Neuk) first reached Significant Scarcity on 28 July. Temporary abstraction restrictions introduced at the time affected 99 licences, primarily supporting agricultural activities. 

Rainfall allowed both areas to move out of Significant Scarcity in early August, although the wider area remained affected by water scarcity. Very low river flows subsequently returned and have now persisted long enough for North Fife and Fife (East Neuk) to reach Significant Scarcity again. 

The position for agricultural abstractors is different from late July, as the main period of irrigation demand has now passed for many growers. However, different crops require water at different stages of the growing season and some businesses continue to rely on abstraction. 

SEPA are continuing to take action to protect the water environment. This week, temporarily abstraction restrictions apply to 136 licences in North Fife, Fife (East Neuk), Stonehaven and North Esk, primarily covering agricultural abstraction. While not all licence holders will currently be abstracting, restrictions will remain in place until conditions recover from Significant Scarcity.  

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA Senior Leader in Compliance, said: “It might feel as though Scotland has had plenty of rain in recent weeks. We have seen heavy rainfall and flooding in some places, while other areas have not recovered from water scarcity. But a wet few days do not undo the effects of a dry few months. 

“In parts of the east, a rainfall deficit has built up over the spring and summer. Fife demonstrates that particularly clearly. North Fife and East Neuk improved enough to move out of Significant Scarcity in August, but they have now reached that level for a second time. 

“It is important to remember why we monitor river levels and ecological conditions so closely, and why we may reduce or temporarily stop abstractions when conditions become severe. When rivers remain exceptionally low for a prolonged period, there is a greater risk of serious and long-lasting damage to the water environment and the plants and animals that depend on it. 

“Our role is to protect the health of our rivers while recognising that farms and other businesses also depend on water from the environment. The east of Scotland is an important growing region and the position is different from late July, with the main period of irrigation demand now past for many growers while others still have crops which require water. 

“We have been speaking directly to businesses whose abstractions will be affected so they understand what this means for them, and we will continue to keep that dialogue open.  

“This summer also shows why building Scotland’s resilience to water scarcity matters. We need to be prepared for both too much and too little water, and for conditions to be very different from one part of the country to another.

“As our climate changes, Scotland is expected to experience hotter, drier summers alongside more intense rainfall. Protecting the water environment, using water efficiently and planning ahead for periods when less water is available will become increasingly important.” 

SEPA continue to monitor river flows, rainfall, soil moisture and groundwater levels across Scotland and will update water scarcity levels as conditions change. 

Summer’s legacy lingers into Autumn

SEPA – WEEKLY WATER SCARCITY REPORT

Scotland has entered autumn with two areas at Significant Water Scarcity, as prolonged rainfall deficits continue to affect river flows. 

Significant Water Scarcity has now been recorded somewhere in Scotland in each of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) past six weekly reports, although the areas affected have changed during that time.  

The latest Water Scarcity Report from SEPA shows The Upper Tweed and Mid Tweed & Lauderdale have moved to Significant Scarcity this week. No abstraction licences are affected by this change.  

Significant Scarcity is reached when representative river flows remain exceptionally low for 30 consecutive days. 

Meanwhile, Dee (Galloway) and Urr Water have now moved out of Significant following rain this week, though the wider area remains at moderate scarcity. Across Scotland nine areas are at Moderate Scarcity, a level where environmental impacts are clear.  

The picture varies sharply across Scotland. Recent rainfall has improved conditions in parts of the north-east, with Deveron, Ythan and Don (Aberdeenshire) moving from Moderate Scarcity to Alert. Doon, Irvine and Ayr have returned to Normal Conditions. 

Further down the east coast, very low river flows continue. In Fife, North Fife and Fife (East Neuk) both reached Significant Scarcity earlier this summer before conditions improved following rainfall. Both have now recorded 25 consecutive days of very low flows again.  

Stonehaven, North Esk and the Lower Earn areas are also at risk of moving to Significant next week.  

The report comes at the beginning of meteorological autumn, which began on 1st September.  

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA Senior Leader in Compliance, said: “Scotland has a reputation for rain, so it can seem surprising to be at the start of autumn with two areas at Significant Water Scarcity, particularly when it may be raining where you are. 

“But water scarcity isn’t determined by today’s weather. Rainfall deficits build up over time, and a few days of rain may not be enough to reverse the effects of a prolonged dry period. 

“We can see that clearly this week. Conditions have improved in some areas, while rivers in parts of the south and east remain exceptionally low. 

“This summer has shown why businesses which rely on water from the environment need to plan ahead. The impacts of dry conditions can last beyond the dry weather itself. 

“As our climate changes, periods of water scarcity are expected to become more frequent and severe. Businesses need to understand what that could mean for them and have plans in place before water becomes constrained.” 

Further showers are forecast on Friday, with potentially heavy rain on Sunday. SEPA will continue to monitor rainfall, river flows, soil moisture and groundwater levels and update water scarcity levels as conditions change. 

Summer downpours fail to ease pressure on Scotland’s rivers

The number of areas in Scotland at Significant Water Scarcity has increased from three to five this week, with prolonged low river flows continuing despite heavy rain in parts of the country.

The latest weekly water scarcity report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows the Dee (Galloway) and Urr Water in Dumfries and Galloway have moved to Significant Scarcity. They join the River Teviot and Ettrick Water in the Scottish Borders and the Lower Dee and Water of Feugh in Aberdeenshire, which remain at Significant Scarcity.

The prolonged nature of the dry conditions can be seen in river flows. Ancrum on the River Teviot in the Scottish Borders has experienced 46 days of continuous low flows, with flows earlier this month reaching their fifth-lowest level in a 53-year record.

In Dumfries and Galloway, Dalbeattie, the reference gauge for Dee (Galloway) and Urr Water, has experienced the greatest number of low-flow days in 20 years. The Lower Dee and Water of Feugh in Aberdeenshire have also experienced around of 38 days of continuous low flows.

Heavy, thundery rainfall fell in parts of Scotland on Wednesday and some rivers have responded. However, there has been limited improvement in the overall water scarcity picture and further sustained rainfall will be needed for more widespread recovery.

There remains a marked contrast across the country. Much of northern and western Scotland remains at Normal Conditions, while prolonged dry conditions mean large parts of eastern Scotland continue to experience some level of water scarcity. River flows remain low to very low across much of the country, particularly in the east.

Eilidh Johnston, Senior Leader in Compliance, said: “What we’re seeing this summer demonstrates why a few days of rain can’t be viewed as an automatic end to water scarcity. When rivers have been running low for weeks, recovery can require sustained rainfall in the right places.

“For businesses that rely on water from the environment, that uncertainty needs to be part of long-term planning. Using water efficiently and building resilience now can help businesses prepare for periods when water availability becomes more constrained.

“We appreciate the way abstractors have responded to this year’s water scarcity situation and the restrictions that have been necessary. We continue to see good compliance, helping to protect rivers at a time when they are under significant pressure.”

No irrigation licences are affected by Dee (Galloway) and Urr Water moving to Significant Scarcity. Restrictions remain in place for affected abstractors in the River Teviot and Ettrick Water areas.

Scotland’s rivers remain under pressure as very low flows persist

Water scarcity continues to put pressure on Scotland’s rivers and the businesses which rely on them, as hot and dry conditions return following recent rainfall. 

The latest Water Situation Report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows river flows remain very low across much of the country, with some catchments which had recovered now returning to very low levels. 

The River Teviot and Ettrick Water have now experienced 39 consecutive days of very low flows. Restrictions on water abstraction remain in place in these catchments and will continue until river flows have recovered sufficiently. 

Lower Dee and Water of Feugh have also moved to Significant Scarcity. There are no impacted abstraction licence holders in this area.  

Without sustained rainfall, the Dee in Galloway and Urr Water could reach Significant Scarcity within the next week. 

Other catchments which previously reached Significant Scarcity and recovered following rainfall are now experiencing very low river flows again, demonstrating the continuing pressure on Scotland’s water environment after months of dry conditions. 

SEPA officers have been carrying out visits in catchments where abstraction restrictions are in place and have seen good levels of compliance. Abstractors affected by restrictions are required to comply with the conditions set out by SEPA to protect the water environment. 

Shona McConnell, SEPA’s Head of Compliance, said: “This has been a challenging summer for businesses which rely on water from the environment, and we recognise the impact restrictions can have on them. 

“Our officers have seen good compliance with the restrictions currently in place. These are regulatory requirements designed to protect rivers when they are under significant pressure, and it is important that businesses continue to comply. 

“Recent rainfall has helped in some places, but we’ve also seen rivers return to very low levels. That underlines why we can’t look at individual periods of rainfall in isolation, recovery depends on sustained rainfall over time. 

“As our climate changes, rainfall is becoming less predictable and water may not always be available where and when it is needed. Building resilience means planning for that uncertainty, adapting how we use water and taking action early rather than waiting until water availability becomes a problem. 

“We’ll continue to monitor conditions closely, work with abstractors and take action where necessary to protect Scotland’s water environment.”

Flooding and water scarcity reflect contrasting conditions across Scotland

Scotland has seen a contrasting picture this week, with Flood Alerts issued due to heavy rain in some areas, while other parts of the country remain at significant water scarcity. 

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA) weekly water scarcity report, published on 6th August, shows how conditions have improved in several areas following recent rainfall. However, parts of the country remain at Significant Scarcity and others could deteriorate without sustained rain. 

Around 50mm of rain fell in some northern and north-eastern catchments this week, causing some rivers to rise rapidly. However, intense rainfall over a short period does not have the same effect as sustained rainfall over time, particularly after prolonged dry conditions.  

Many east coast rivers continue to experience very low flows and ground conditions across much of the east remain dry or very dry. Prolonged low river flows can put pressure on river ecosystems, reducing the water and habitat available for fish and other wildlife. 

When an area reaches Significant Scarcity, SEPA will temporarily restrict the amount of water that can be taken from rivers and burns to protect the water environment.  

At the peak of restrictions, more than 170 authorisations to abstract water from the environment were affected. Restrictions remain on five authorisations where river levels have not sufficiently recovered. 

The Lower Don has remained at Significant Scarcity since 27th July, while the River Teviot and Ettrick Water reached Significant Scarcity on 4th August, showing how different catchments are responding to recent rainfall. SEPA officers have been carrying out checks in areas where restrictions were in place, with good compliance seen during visits. 

Without sustained rainfall, the Mid Dee from Ballater to Banchory, and the Lower Dee and Water of Feugh could also reach Significant Scarcity within the next week. 

Improved conditions have allowed restrictions to be lifted as river levels recover. Lunan Water, Tay Estuary (North), North Fife and Fife (East Neuk) are no longer at Significant Scarcity, with improvements also recorded across a number of other catchments. Businesses whose restrictions are being removed will be contacted by SEPA to confirm the change. 

July was much drier than normal across the south and east of Scotland, with many areas receiving less than half the rainfall they would normally expect during the month. When ground is very dry, intense rain can run rapidly over the surface and into rivers rather than soaking into the soil.

River levels can rise quickly, and localised flooding can happen, but those rises can be short-lived and do not always result in the sustained river flows needed for water scarcity conditions to fully recover.  

 Shona McConnell, SEPA’s Head of Compliance, said: “After the rain we’ve seen this week, people may understandably wonder how parts of Scotland can still be experiencing water scarcity. 

“The rain has made a real difference in some areas. River levels have recovered and we’ve been able to remove restrictions where conditions have recovered. But Scotland is not out of the woods yet. 

“Water scarcity develops over weeks and months, and a short period of heavy rain does not necessarily result in sustained recovery. We’re only at the beginning of August, so what happens next will depend on the rainfall we see over the coming weeks. We will continue to monitor conditions closely and introduce or remove restrictions where required.” 

Further rain is forecast for northern and western Scotland over the coming days, with drier conditions expected elsewhere. 

SEPA will continue monitoring river flows, rainfall, soil moisture and groundwater levels across Scotland and will update water scarcity levels as conditions change.

£15 million fund to strengthen flood resilience

Funding to support most vulnerable communities

A new £15 million fund has been launched to improve the resilience of communities across Scotland most at risk from flooding.

Funding will be provided to local groups, communities and local authorities to help them improve their flood resilience and preparedness.

The funding will support sustainable drainage, including natural features like green spaces and planting, to reduce flood risk and future proof existing flooding infrastructure. Coastal communities will benefit, with support available for innovative coastal resilience projects to replenish sand dunes and reduce flood risk in towns like Montrose.

Additional support will be available for communities recovering from the impact of recent flooding, while Public Health Scotland will develop a new interactive tool combining flood risk data with population and demographic data to help identify communities and groups most at risk in the future.

A new Flood Advisory Service will support local authorities in delivering major flood protection schemes more efficiently, reducing delays and improving value for public money.

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action Gillian Martin said: “Climate change means, globally, we are facing an increasing flood risk, and Scotland is not immune to that. We are determined to take action now to protect people, homes and livelihoods.

“This £15 million package delivers on our 100 days commitment to invest in flood mitigation and prevention, with support targeted where it is needed most. By working closely with communities, local authorities and expert partners, we are investing in practical measures that will strengthen resilience and adapt to the challenges of the future.

“From community-led projects and nature-based solutions to better data, improved infrastructure and more effective flood protection schemes, this investment complements our wider Flood Resilience Strategy to help build a safer, more resilient Scotland.”