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.
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 Reportfrom 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.”
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.
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.”
Recent rainfall has improved river conditions in parts of Scotland, with several catchments moving to lower levels of water scarcity. However, prolonged dry conditions mean rivers across much of eastern Scotland remain under significant pressure, with four catchments continuing to experience Significant Scarcity.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA) latest weekly water scarcity report shows that the Lunan Water, Lower Don, North Fife and Fife East Neuk remain in Significant Scarcity. If river flows remain exceptionally low, Tay Estuary North, the River Teviot and Ettrick Water could also move to this level over the coming week.
This week’s assessment does show improvements in the south and west of the country. The Lower Tweed, Whiteadder Water and Berwickshire Coastal catchments in the Scottish Borders have recovered enough to come out of Significant Scarcity, though the area does remain in Moderate Scarcity.
Doon, Irvine and Ayr have improved to Early Warning, while Argyll Coast, Loch Linnhe and Lochy (Inverness-shire) have returned to Normal Conditions.
However, conditions continue to deteriorate elsewhere. The Spey, Ythan and Dee (Aberdeen) have moved to Moderate Water Scarcity, while the Forth has moved to Alert.
Although rain is forecast over the coming days it is too early to know whether it will provide enough sustained rainfall to restore river flows in the catchments currently under pressure.
Shona McConnell, SEPA’s Head of Compliance, said: “Recent rainfall has brought welcome improvements in some parts of Scotland. However, many rivers, particularly across eastern Scotland, continue to experience the impacts of prolonged dry weather, with some recording exceptionally low flows for the time of year.
“It’s encouraging to see improvements in some catchments, but recovery does not happen overnight. A river’s level may improve enough to move out of significant water scarcity while the wider catchment remains under pressure.
“Even though we’ve seen some rain, it doesn’t always reach the areas that need it most, and even when it does it may not be enough to restore river flows after a prolonged dry period. How rivers respond depends on the right amount of rain, in the right place, at the right time
“We assess conditions every day and update water scarcity levels as the evidence changes. You can keep up to date with this changing picture on our website using our Drought Risk Assessment Tool. Our weekly report will continue to provide the national picture,”
SEPA’s water scarcity assessments reflect conditions across each catchment, taking account of rainfall, river flows and soil moisture. Significant Scarcity is different. It is triggered when river flows remain below the recognised Q95 low-flow threshold for a prolonged period, indicating increased pressure on rivers and the wildlife that depends on them.
Temporary restrictions on licensed water abstractions remain in place in catchments affected by Significant Water Scarcity and will be lifted as soon as measured river conditions recover.
SEPA continue to monitor conditions daily using its Drought Risk Assessment Tool, with decisions based on measured environmental conditions rather than rainfall forecasts or fixed dates.
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.
Dry weather has led to more Scottish river catchments moving through the water scarcity levels, according to the latest report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
The number of catchments affected continues to grow this week, with four additional areas moving into Moderate Scarcity and nine more reaching Early Warning. Around half of Scotland’s river catchments are now at one of SEPA’s water scarcity levels.
Moderate Scarcity is now in place in the Tyne in Lothian, Firth of Forth, Firth of Tay, Don in Aberdeenshire, Esk and Tweed catchments.
Alert remains in place for the Deveron, Ythan, Dee in Aberdeenshire, Almond and Findhorn catchments, while Early Warning now covers the Conon, Spey, Tay, Earn, Ness, Forth, Esk in Dumfriesshire, Annan, Nith, Dee in Galloway, Cree, Clyde, Irvine and Ayr catchments.
The River Lossie catchment is no longer at Significant Scarcity following rainfall last weekend. However, the overall trend across Scotland is one of continued drying, with more catchments now affected.
Water scarcity means there is less water available in rivers, lochs and groundwater, increasing pressure on the environment and on businesses, farmers and other organisations that rely on taking water directly from these natural sources.
Rainfall has been normal to wet across western and much of northern Scotland. In contrast, much of the east has experienced dry conditions, with parts of Angus and Fife extremely dry.
River flows reflect this pattern, with high to very high flows across western catchments and low to very low flows across much of the east. In the Tweed catchment, July river flows at the Coldstream gauging station reached the second lowest recorded at the site since records began in 1971.
Ground conditions are dry across much of eastern Scotland, particularly in parts of the northeast and along the east coast. Groundwater levels in Fife are also very low for the time of year.
SEPA are continuing to work directly with businesses, farmers and other organisations that take water from rivers, lochs and groundwater, providing practical advice to help them plan ahead, use water efficiently and reduce pressure on the environment.
Eilidh Johnston, SEPA Senior Leader in Compliance, said: “Scotland’s climate is changing, and periods of prolonged dry weather are becoming an increasingly important challenge for our rivers and the businesses that rely on taking water directly from the environment.
“While conditions are not as severe as they were at this point last year, the coming weeks and months are a critical time for water demand. Those who take water directly from rivers, lochs and groundwater should already be taking steps to use less, plan ahead and make sure they are prepared if conditions continue to deteriorate.
“We are working directly with businesses and other water users in affected catchments, providing practical advice to help them manage water responsibly and reduce pressure on Scotland’s rivers and the plants and animals that depend on them.
“Acting early will help protect the environment and reduce the risk of restrictions being needed later in the summer. Anyone concerned about accessing enough water for their business, or who needs advice on preparing for drier conditions, should contact SEPA as early as possible.”
SEPA are advising businesses and other organisations that take water directly from the environment to:
monitor how much water they are using;
use water as efficiently as possible;
keep equipment in good working order to reduce leaks and losses;
understand the water scarcity level in their catchment;
have contingency plans in place should conditions worsen.
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 website at sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity
An expanded monitoring programme carried out by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has detected PFAS in surface water and groundwater samples collected from sites across Scotland.
The programme found PFAS at just under 90% of surface water sites monitored and around 60% of groundwater sites monitored. Higher concentrations were generally associated with locations where sources are already known or expected, including activities linked to higher PFAS use or emissions, such as airports and landfills.
No samples exceeded relevant environmental or groundwater standards in this initial dataset.
PFAS, sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals”, have been used globally for decades in industrial processes and consumer products. Because they break down very slowly, they can remain in the environment for long periods and are now recognised internationally as a complex environmental challenge.
SEPA have monitored PFAS in Scotland’s water environment since 2009, but in 2025 the organisation significantly expanded monitoring to include more sites across Scotland and a broader range of PFAS compounds.
The pilot programme covered 97 surface water sites and 37 groundwater sites and was designed to provide a clearer picture of where PFAS are present in Scotland’s water environment. The findings will help identify where future monitoring, investigation and regulatory effort should be focused.
The results provide an early indication of PFAS distribution across Scotland and contribute to a growing UK-wide evidence base supporting the development of future standards, guidance and approaches to managing PFAS.
Professor Paul Dale, SEPA Chief Regulator, said: “PFAS are being detected more widely around the world and, given how extensively they have been used for decades, their presence in Scotland’s water environment is not unexpected.
“It is understandable that people have questions about PFAS and what these findings mean. This expanded monitoring programme gives us a clearer understanding of where PFAS are present across Scotland and helps identify where further investigation and future regulatory effort may be needed.
“Environmental monitoring helps us understand where substances are present in the environment, but monitoring data alone does not determine human health risk and should not be interpreted as evidence of direct impacts on human health.
“PFAS are a complex environmental challenge that will require long-term action across governments, regulators and industry. By continuing to strengthen the evidence base, we can ensure future decisions are informed by the best available science and targeted where they will have the greatest environmental benefit.”
SEPA will continue to expand monitoring and work with regulators, governments, industry and researchers across the UK to improve understanding of PFAS and support the development of future approaches to managing these substances.
Monitoring will continue as part of a multi-year programme, with additional sampling planned in 2026 to further improve understanding of PFAS distribution across Scotland’s water environment.
Abstractors are being urged to plan ahead as the risk of water scarcity across the east of Scotland remains.
The latest weekly water scarcity report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows Findhorn has reached Moderate Scarcity with the Dee (Aberdeen) raised to Alert level.
This takes the number of areas in Moderate Scarcity to two; Findhorn and Tyne (Lothian) and the number of Alert levels to eight; Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Dee (Aberdeen), Firth of Tay, Firth of Forth, Almond and Tweed catchments.
SEPA publishes weekly water scarcity reports throughout the summer to provide abstractors with up-to-date information on conditions across the country. Reporting is designed to provide advance notice of developing conditions to support sustainable water use and help users plan ahead.
Early Warning means conditions are becoming drier. No action is required at this stage, but abstractors are encouraged to prepare and review water use.
Alert means river water levels are falling and SEPA advises voluntary reductions in non-essential water use by abstractors.
Moderate Scarcity means environmental impact is clear. Action from abstractors is expected to protect rivers and the species that rely on them.
Despite the recent unsettled weather, the eastern coastal areas are experiencing more long-term dry conditions, following on from a dry spring, with wetter conditions experienced in the west.
As river flows are low to very low across eastern areas for this time of year with ground conditions particularly in the east and northeast becoming very dry, we will be contacting local abstractors regarding the situation giving them as much notice as possible to prepare ahead.
SEPA continues to monitor conditions closely through its national water scarcity reporting.
SEPA’s drought risk assessment tool provides up-to-date local information on river flows and potential water scarcity risk to help abstractors monitor conditions and support planning ahead.
Eilidh Johnston, Senior Leader in Compliance, said: “With warm and dry weather continuing in the east of the country, we are now starting to see the impacts of water scarcity with additional areas moving to Moderate Scarcity and Alert level.
“Several eastern catchments are experiencing drier than normal conditions and river flows are low to very low for this time of year there. As a result, there remains a risk of water scarcity developing into summer, particularly across the east, if summer rainfall is lower than normal.
“SEPA’s water scarcity reporting provides abstractors and other water users with advance notice of changing conditions so they can review water use, check equipment is operating effectively and plan ahead if needed.
“We would encourage abstractors to make use of SEPA’s drought risk assessment tools and guidance to help understand local conditions, increase their resilience to the impacts of prolonged dry conditions and support sustainable water use during dry periods.”
Further information on water scarcity levels, guidance and weekly reports is available on SEPA’s website.
As Scotland’s bathing water season begins on 1st June, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) will continue to monitor and provide information on 19 designated bathing waters across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Borders.
Designated bathing waters are important local spaces supporting recreation, tourism and access to nature for communities and visitors across the region.
From urban bathing waters serving Edinburgh and surrounding communities to popular coastal destinations across East Lothian and the Scottish Borders, these sites play an important role in supporting health and wellbeing, local visitor economies and access to Scotland’s coastline.
Many of the region’s bathing waters are within easy reach of large population centres, providing accessible opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the water environment.
Throughout the season, which runs until 15th September, SEPA will take regular water samples and provide information including water quality classifications, monitoring results and pollution risk forecasts to help people make informed choices about where and when to bathe.
For the 2026 season, five bathing waters across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Borders are classified as excellent, eight as good, five as sufficient and one as poor.
Broad Sands – Good
Coldingham – Good
Dunbar (Belhaven) – Good
Dunbar (East) – Sufficient
Eyemouth – Sufficient
Fisherrow Sands – Poor
Gullane – Excellent
Longniddry – Good
North Berwick (Milsey Bay) – Good
North Berwick (West) – Good
Pease Bay – Excellent
Portobello (Central) – Sufficient
Portobello (West) – Sufficient
Seacliff – Excellent
Seton Sands – Good
Thorntonloch – Excellent
Wardie Bay – Good
White Sands – Excellent
Yellowcraig – Sufficient
Across Scotland’s 90 bathing waters, 47 are classified as excellent, 26 as good, 13 as sufficient and three as poor. One bathing water, Ballachulish Peninsula, was newly designated earlier this year and will receive its first classification at the end of this bathing season.
Bathing water classifications are based on four years of monitoring data and are designed to provide a longer-term picture of water quality over time.
Wet weather is one of the biggest factors affecting bathing water quality in Scotland. Heavy rainfall can temporarily affect bathing waters by washing pollution into rivers, lochs and coastal waters across wider catchments, while also influencing more localised sources such as surface water drainage and sewage discharges. For this reason, people are advised not to bathe during or one to two days after heavy rain.
SEPA issues daily pollution risk forecasts at some bathing waters where water quality has previously been shown to be more vulnerable to short-term pollution following wet weather. Available on SEPA’s website and on electronic messaging signs at these locations, these forecasts advise the public whether conditions are likely to be good or whether there is an increased risk of temporarily reduced water quality.
Scottish Water’s new real-time overflow map provides additional information on wastewater overflow activity.
Water quality is influenced by activity across the wider catchment surrounding a bathing water. SEPA uses microbial source tracking techniques at some locations to help identify whether sources of pollution are linked to human waste, livestock, birds or dogs. This information can then be used to help locate pollution sources and direct improvements.
Over the past 30 years, SEPA’s monitoring, scientific investigations and regulatory work have helped identify the sources of pollution affecting bathing waters and supported targeted improvements across Scotland. This work includes investigating pressures linked to wastewater infrastructure, whether public or private, urban drainage and rural diffuse pollution.
This evidence helps target action and investment where it is most needed and has contributed to sustained improvements over time. In 2015, Scotland had 17 bathing waters classified as excellent and 17 classified as poor.
For the 2026 season, 47 bathing waters are classified as excellent and three as poor, reflecting long-term improvements supported by monitoring, investigation and targeted action across Scotland.
For the 2026 season, Fisherrow Sands remains classified as poor.
Fisherrow Sands returned as a designated bathing water in 2023 following partnership work to improve water quality, including identifying and correcting misconnections alongside improvements to wastewater infrastructure. As a result of this work, Fisherrow Sands achieved a good classification.
In 2024, the poor classification was mainly due to a single very high sample result, for which no clear cause was identified. In 2025, another high result was recorded, which microbial source tracking indicated was likely due to contamination from gulls. Assessment against the full four-year dataset at the end of the 2026 season will provide a clearer picture of long-term trends.
Ruth Stidson, Principal Specialist Scientist at SEPA, said: “Bathing waters are important places for communities across Scotland and people rightly want clear information about water quality and the factors that can affect it.
“SEPA’s monitoring, forecasting and investigative work help people make informed choices throughout the bathing water season, while also helping us better understand the pressures affecting Scotland’s bathing waters over time.
Improving water quality is not always straightforward. Conditions can be influenced by rainfall, wastewater infrastructure, runoff and activity across wider catchments and those pressures can vary from place to place.
“For 30 years, SEPA’s scientific monitoring and evidence have supported long-term improvements at bathing waters across Scotland, and we continue to work with partners to identify pollution risks and target action where improvements are still needed.”
People visiting bathing waters across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Borders can also help protect local water environments by disposing of litter responsibly, avoiding feeding gulls, clearing up after dogs and helping prevent sewer blockages by not flushing wet wipes, fats, oils and grease into drains and toilets.
Information on Scotland’s bathing waters, including classifications, monitoring results, pollution risk forecasts and advice for visitors, is available on SEPA’s website throughout the bathing water season.
