Tag: SEPA

Water scarcity intensifies across eastern Scotland as several areas approach critical thresholds

A number of areas across eastern Scotland are now within a week of reaching Significant Scarcity according to the latest data from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

SEPA’s weekly Water Scarcity Report shows that eight river catchments remain at Moderate Scarcity – the Spey, Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Dee (Aberdeen), Esk, Firth of Tay and Tyne (Lothian). The Findhorn, Firth of Forth and Helmsdale catchments are at Alert.

Monitoring stations at the following locations are nearing the Significant Scarcity threshold:

  • Minmore – River Livet (Lower Speyside) lowest spring flows in 40-year record
  • Alford and Houghton – River Don (Aberdeen) lowest spring flows in 50-year record
  • Heughhead – River Feugh (Lower Dee, Aberdeenshire) lowest spring flows in 40-year record
  • Logie Mill – North Esk (Angus) (lowest spring flows in 50-year record)
  • Balmossie – Dighty Water (Tayside) lowest spring flows since 1973
  • Kemback – River Eden (North Fife) lowest spring flows since 1973

These catchments have been under pressure for some time. Several have been at Moderate Scarcity for weeks. Rain is expected over the next few days affecting west, central and southern Scotland but north east areas remain largely dry.

SEPA’s Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT) uses current river flow data from hundreds of sites across Scotland. 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 expect to take action early next week. 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 have been in regular contact with licence holders throughout this period and have been working closely with partners including NFUS, Scotch Whisky Association, Scottish Golf and others.

Chris Dailly, SEPA’s Head of Environmental Performance (Geographic), said: “These rivers are approaching critical environmental thresholds following months of sustained low rainfall. Autumn 2024 was one of the driest in 100 years, followed by a dry spring – the second driest in a century for the east.

“Many catchments in eastern Scotland are seeing their lowest river flows for decades, with some stations recording record or near-record lows for spring and early summer.

“Those who take water from our rivers and lochs have a key role in protecting our environment, and most take that role seriously. Farmers, land managers, food and drink manufacturers and other businesses across the country have been making a real effort. Many distilleries have brought forward summer shutdowns. Irrigators are already adjusting practices. We see that and we value it. But if restrictions are needed they must be implemented and they must be respected.

“This is about protecting rivers and lochs for the long term, ensuring the environment and the businesses that depend on it can thrive. We do not take these decisions lightly. Restrictions will only apply where they are absolutely necessary, and for the shortest possible time. But the evidence is clear, the pressure on the environment is too great in some areas.”

If restrictions are required licence holders will receive written communication from SEPA next week detailing what is required of them.

Water scarcity levels

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

Facts and figures

The current situation reflects months of sustained low rainfall.

  • Autumn 2024 was the fifth driest in 100 years, based on Met Office data.
  • Winter 2024/2025 also saw below-average rainfall across much of Scotland.
  • By spring 2025, the east of Scotland had recorded its second driest spring in a century, and the first half of the year was the driest since 1973 in some areas.
  • By mid-May, some catchments in the east had experienced 11 consecutive months of below-average rainfall.
    • River flows on the Don were the second lowest in a 94-year record, with only 1938 lower.
    • The Lower Spey reached its lowest seasonal flow since records began in 1952.
  • Parts of Fife and Angus recorded their lowest groundwater levels ever for May and June, including:
    • Newton of Falkland (Fife) borehole – second lowest level in 28 years
    • Murton (Angus) borehole – lowest June level in its 18-year record

Across the east, many river flow stations recorded their highest number of low-flow days in the first half of the year, with some datasets spanning nearly a century.

Working together – efficiency remains vital

SEPA have been working closely with abstractors for months and many have taken early action to reduce demand and prepare for dry conditions.

SEPA urge all licensed abstractors to continue:

  • Checking equipment for leaks
  • Avoiding irrigation during the hottest part of the day to minimise evaporation
  • Staggering abstractions with neighbours to reduce pressure on local watercourses
  • Reviewing operations to identify further water savings
  • Ensure you are meeting the requirements of your abstraction licences, including for low flows.

Ongoing monitoring and support

Weekly Water Scarcity Reports are published every Thursday at sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity.

SEPA continue to provide updates, advice and direct support to all sectors at risk from current conditions.

SEPA: Scottish landfill rate at record low – but we still need to reduce waste and boost recycling

Scots are generating less waste than ever before and sending less to landfill.  

The Scottish Waste From All Sources 2023 Official Statistics, published today (15th July) by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), provide details on waste from Scottish households, businesses and public services.   

Scotland generated 9.55 million tonnes of waste in 2023 – a 7.5% decrease from 2022 and down 20.2% since 2011. This overall decline reflects a long-term trend towards better waste prevention and reuse across the country.  

The amount of waste sent to landfill fell to 1.81 million tonnes, down 21.1% from 2022 to the lowest figure recorded.

Scotland’s landfill rate now stands at 19%, down from over 50% in 2011, signalling significant progress in diverting waste away from landfill.  

At the same time the overall recycling rate has remained roughly the same (62.2% down 0.6 percentage points from 2022). 

The largest single waste category in 2023 was soils, at 2.76 million tonnes, followed by household and similar waste at 1.92 million tonnes. Encouragingly, household and similar waste generated by Scottish homes and businesses has fallen by 1.2 million tonnes since 2011. 

The statistics also highlight a continued rise in energy-from-waste incineration of Scottish waste, which increased by 20.2% in 2023 to 1.74 million tonnes, the highest level to date. This increase underscores the growing role of energy-from-waste facilities in managing residual waste – material that cannot currently be recycled or reused.  

David Harley, Acting Chief Officer – Regulation Business & Environment, said: “The statistics for 2023 show that the hard work of communities, councils and businesses is paying off. We’re generating less waste and sending less to landfill than ever before. But they also highlight the scale of the climate challenge still facing us. 

“While the figures show clear progress, they also highlight that we must focus on preventing waste in the first place and prioritising reuse and recycling over disposal. As long as non-recyclable waste is produced, energy recovery will remain part of Scotland’s waste hierarchy as a better alternative to landfill, but every tonne of waste avoided or recycled is better for the climate, for communities and for Scotland’s journey to net zero. 

“This annual data set gives Scotland an important opportunity to reflect. SEPA’s role is to provide the evidence to support informed decisions by policy makers, industry and local authorities.”  

Secretary for Climate Action Gillian Martin said: “I welcome these statistics from SEPA which show that the overall amount of waste generated in Scotland continues to fall faster than the previous target set, and is at its lowest ever level. 

“This highlights the significant, long-term progress we are making towards a circular economy in which fewer resources are wasted. This is not just good for the environment – it will also create new economic opportunities and green jobs here in Scotland. 

“The Circular Economy Act and Circular Economy and Waste Route Map, backed by our £70 million Recycling Improvement Fund, seek to cut waste, create consistent and easy to use waste services across Scotland, whilst driving sustainable resource use.” 

Scotland’s approach follows the waste hierarchy – prioritising prevention, then reuse, recycling and recovery, with landfill as a last resort. Much of the progress that has made over the past decade has been driven by policy changes, such as recycling services, duty of care requiring waste producers to separate materials for recycling and reduced residual bin collection frequency. 

SEPA: Water scarcity still impacting eastern Scotland as long-term rain and snow deficits take their toll

Scotland is entering another spell of hot weather, and the east of the country remains under sustained pressure from water scarcity according to the latest data. 

Some areas have seen recent rainfall, but it has not been enough to recover from long term shortages, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are warning restrictions on licences to abstract water from the environment may soon be necessary in some catchments if conditions continued to deteriorate. 

The latest Weekly Water Scarcity report published by SEPA shows that much of eastern Scotland remains in Moderate Scarcity, with low groundwater levels and prolonged dry conditions continuing to limit recovery. 

The first half of 2025 has been the driest in the east since 1973 and much of the east has now been at Moderate Scarcity for nearly eight weeks, since mid-May. Intermittent rainfall in recent weeks has not been enough to enable recovery, above average rainfall is still required to bring conditions back to normal in affected catchments. 

This year’s water scarcity isn’t just about recent dry weather. It’s the result of a drier than normal winter with reduced snow accumulation and low groundwater recharge. In upland areas of the eastern Grampians and the north east of Scotland, many rivers typically benefit from a steady release of snow melt through spring and early summer. This year that natural recharge didn’t occur. Combined with dry autumn and winter conditions the result is some of the lowest groundwater levels on record in parts of Fife and Angus.  

SEPA are urging businesses with licences to take water from the environment, especially in affected areas, to continue to reduce pressure and protect access to water resources.  

Moderate Scarcity 

  • Spey
  • Deveron
  • Ythan
  • Don (Aberdeenshire)
  • Dee (Aberdeen)
  • Esk
  • Firth of Tay
  • Tyne (Lothian) 

Alert 

  • Findhorn
  • Firth of Forth
  • Almond 

Earlier this summer, SEPA came close to introducing abstraction restrictions in parts of northern Scotland as certain river levels remained critically low for an extended period. However, timely rainfall brought short term relief and, thanks to near real time monitoring from a network of Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT) stations, SEPA were able to ensure restrictions were not imposed unnecessarily.  

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA’s Senior Manager in Water Industry and Rural Economy, said: “SEPA’s decisions are guided by science and data, and our DRAT station monitoring plays a critical role in our ability to respond quickly fairly and proportionately.

“We’ve seen how abstractors have responded to the challenge of water scarcity this year and took early action to reduce pressure. However, the risk of required restrictions is not over.  

“It won’t take a heat wave to tip rivers into crisis. Sustained low flows and dry soils are already putting pressure on businesses and the environment. We’re asking all abstractors to stay aware of conditions and check the local direct station data regularly especially in the east where pressure is building.

“We’re already in touch with those at highest risk of restrictions, but if you have any questions please get in touch.”  

Restrictions will only be introduced if absolutely necessary, in line with clear thresholds. Voluntary action now can help avoid them, protecting both water access and the environment through the summer.

SEPA continue to urge everyone from farmers and producers to industry and manufacturers 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. 

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

Water scarcity remains a concern despite recent rainfall

Despite the recent rainfall over the last week, it has been insufficient to see much recovery across most of Scotland, with low river flows persisting, particularly in the east.

Although rain is forecast over the coming days, SEPA say well above-average rainfall will be needed to reverse the effects of the long dry spell. We are continuing to urge water users to be vigilant as parts of the country remain under pressure.

Eight river catchments all remain at Moderate Scarcity – the Spey, Deveron, Ythan, Don, Dee, Esk, Firth of Tay and Tyne. The Findhorn, Firth of Forth and Almond catchments remain at Alert, however in the far north, southeast and southwest, there has been some improvement in river flows and ground conditions with the Wick, Helmsdale and Tweed catchments recovered to Early Warning.

Many of the areas in Moderate Scarcity have had less than 70% of their average rainfall since the start of the year. The result is that, for the first half of the year, many of the associated river flow stations have had the highest number of days at low flows on record. The time record of some of these river flow stations span almost 100 years.

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.

With the rivers already stressed after months of below average rainfall even brief periods of rain over the summer often will not have the impact the public might expect. Water may not soak into the ground properly or evenly enough to reverse the pressure. This means warmer temperatures, lower oxygen, and shrinking channels will increase pressure on fish, aquatic life, and habitats.

Kenny Boag, Head of Environmental Performance (National) from SEPA said: “We’ve had rain in some areas but not widespread recovery.

“Although there has been relief in the West, 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.

“We welcome the proactive steps taken by many abstractors, especially in areas of Alert and Moderate scarcity who have already been planning ahead and taking steps to use water efficiently. We urge them to continue to do that as we won’t wait until the situation reaches crisis point to act, and we don’t expect water users to either.

“We will 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 – and we also know that without a healthy water environment those sectors cannot thrive.”

SEPA continues to urge everyone from farmers and producers to industry and manufacturers 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.

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

SEPA have issued advice against bathing at Dunbar East Bathing Water.

A routine sample showed a high level of bacteria. They also received a report from a member of the public about possible sewage near the site. This was reported to Scottish Water.

As a precaution, SEPA have updated the bathing water signage at Dunbar East to advise against entering the water.

This advice will remain in place until water quality returns to a satisfactory level.

SEPA will take further samples on 7 July.

We are working closely with @ELCouncil and @scottish_water to monitor the situation and keep the public informed.

More info: https://beta.sepa.scot/news/2025/advice-against-bathing-at-dunbar-east/

For the latest updates and to find your local bathing water, please visit dedicated site at https://bathingwaters.sepa.org.uk

The east remains dry as SEPA urges the country to stay vigilant

This week, the rain has brought relief to the west and northwest of the country, but some levels of water scarcity are still being felt in large parts of Scotland, particularly in the east. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are asking that water users remain vigilant.

Although the 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 six – Wick, Helmsdale, Findhorn, Forth, Almond and Tweed – are at Alert. The Naver has seen some light relief and recovered to Early Warning.

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. With rainfall in the east still well below average for the year, river conditions could deteriorate quickly even without the presence of a heatwave.

With the rivers already stressed after months of below average rainfall and summer only just beginning even brief periods of rain over the summer often will not soak in properly or evenly enough to reverse the pressure. This means warmer temperatures, lower oxygen, and shrinking channels will 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: “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. We don’t wait until the situation reaches crisis point to act, and we don’t expect water users to either.

“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. If you hold an abstraction licence and you’re in an area of Moderate Scarcity, don’t be concerned if we get in touch.”

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

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

SEPA: River conditions show importance of ongoing monitoring

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are warning that despite rain in most of the country, current river flow monitoring shows sustained local pressure in northern catchments – with one area now at Significant Water Scarcity.

SEPA’s Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT) uses current river flow data from hundreds of sites across Scotland. 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.

The latest data, as advised in this week’s Water Scarcity Report, shows that the River Helmsdale in Sutherland has now reached Significant Water Scarcity, meaning river flows have stayed below the Q95 threshold for 30 consecutive days.

Q95 is a recognised benchmark in hydrology, which is used as a low flow threshold. It’s calculated by looking at a catchment’s 30-year dataset from 1991 to 2020 and looking at the lowest 5% of flows in that time frame.

No regulatory action is required by SEPA in Helmsdale, as all licensed abstractions in the catchment already return water to the river.

The River Wick catchment in Caithness is expected to reach significant scarcity early next week, and SEPA are contacting any abstractors who may be affected by regulatory action to restrict their water use. 

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA’s Senior Manager in Water Industry and Rural Economy, said: “This is why our science matters. Even with the rain we’ve had over the last few weeks, the science shows real pressure on some rivers.

“SEPA gather current flow data from across Scotland and compares it against a 30-year baseline, that helps us assess risk, guide action, and work with others before serious harm happens.

“When a river stays below that low-flow threshold of Q95 for 30 days, the risk to aquatic life and the surrounding ecosystem becomes significant. Beyond this point any further reduction in flow is likely to increase the risk of harm.

“We’ll act as necessary if this threshold is passed, but we’ve also been engaging with water users for months.

“From farmers and distilleries to golf courses and fisheries, we’ve spoken to individuals, companies and representative bodies including the Scotch Whisky Association, Scottish Golf, NFUS, and Fisheries Management Scotland. And we’ve seen and heard first-hand how seriously abstractors are taking their responsibilities, and the practices they’re putting in place to protect our environment.”

This week’s update

Recent heavy rain has improved conditions in some areas:

  • Firth of Forth and Tweed have recovered from Moderate Scarcity to Alert
  • Earn and Esk (Dumfriesshire) have recovered from Alert to Early Warning.
  • Beauly, Forth, Annan, Firth of Clyde and Loch Maree catchments have all recovered from Early Warning to Normal conditions.

The longer-term picture remains uncertain. The east of Scotland has just experienced its second driest spring in 100 years, with some parts seeing below-average rainfall for the past 12 months. Above-average rainfall will be needed in many catchments to support a full recovery.

SEPA continue to work closely with abstraction licence holders in areas nearing the Q95 threshold, and with representatives from trade and membership organisations to support early action and resilience planning.

Weekly water scarcity reports are published every Thursday at water scarcity situation report. 

Flood Alert issued for Edinburgh

A FLOOD ALERT has been issued for Edinburgh and Lothians

From the early hours of Saturday morning rain is expected to spread northwards to affect this area. The rain may persist through most of Saturday and at times there could be some intense, heavy, thundery rain.

If the rain falls on the transport network or built-up areas, there is potential for some disruptive surface water flooding impacts, including: flooding to low-lying land and roads, disruption to travel and flooding of properties.

Small rivers may also respond and could cause similar impacts. SEPA will continue to monitor the situation and further updates will appear here if the situation changes.

Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property. Advice and information is available on our website or by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

This FLOOD ALERT is now in force until further notice and was sent by email, SMS and/or phone, free of charge to registered Floodline customers.

If you wish to register, view or amend any of your account details, or deregister, please visit myfloodline.sepa.scot or call Floodline, select option 2 for Scotland then option 3 to speak to an advisor.

You can check the three day flood outlook on our Scottish flood forecast or follow our @SEPAFlood X channel.

Your Floodline quick dial number for this area is 23200

SEPA: Relief in the west, but water scarcity risk remains in the east

Despite recent heavy rain, long-term water scarcity pressures remain after one of the driest starts to the year for decades.

The latest water scarcity report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows widespread improvement across the west of the country. In contrast, some catchments in the north and North East are continuing to deteriorate, while others have not seen enough rain to recover. 

This week, Wick and Helmsdale river catchments have been raised to moderate water scarcity. If locally dry conditions continue, areas including the Avon catchment (Spey), the lower Dee and the Water of Feugh, and Helmsdale may reach Significant Scarcity next week – meaning restrictions on businesses taking water from the environment will be needed.

Rain over the past week has led to recovery in areas of the West Coast, Highlands and Islands. But the east has remained largely dry, due in part to the rain shadow effect where moist air loses much of its rain as it moves over mountains, leaving drier conditions on the other side.

This spring has been the second driest in 100 years in eastern Scotland and some areas have had below average rainfall for more than 12 months. While rain is forecast in the coming week, SEPA hydrologists say well above-average rainfall will be needed to reverse the effects of the long dry spell.

This week’s update

  • Wick and Helmsdale river catchments have been raised to Moderate Scarcity.
  • The Tay and Esk (Dumfriesshire) have recovered from Moderate Scarcity to Alert.
  • The Conon, Beauly, Ness, Forth, Annan, Nith, Dee (Galloway), Cree, Doon, Clyde, Irvine and Ayr catchments have all recovered from Alert to Early warning.
  • Firth of Clyde, Northwest Highlands and Kintyre have recovered from Alert to Early warning
  • Leven (Dunbartonshire), Argyll Coast, Loch Linnhe, Loch Alsh and the Inner Hebrides all recovering from Early warning to Normal.

Measured data

SEPA’s Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT) uses measured river flow data from gauging stations across the country, to monitor current environmental conditions. This data is combined with information from rainfall gauges, Met Office forecasts, soil moisture data, and fieldwork by SEPA staff to produce the national water scarcity picture.

If river flows at a DRAT station fall below a critical level (called Q95) for 30 days or more, the associated area is classed as at significant water scarcity. The tool is available to view online on SEPA’s website.

Claire Tunaley, Senior Hydrologist – Water Resources Unit, SEPA said: “By monitoring current river flows at key points across the country, and using rainfall data, soil moisture data, groundwater levels and what we see in the field, we can assess where recovery is happening and where risk remains.

“Our Drought Risk Assessment Tool, known as DRAT, uses data from river gauging stations to monitor flows closely. If flows at these stations fall below the Q95 threshold for 30 consecutive days, it indicates significant water scarcity and a high risk of ecological impact. Q95 means the flow is lower than it would be on 95% of days in a typical year – in other words, extremely low.

“When rivers reach critical lows, it affects the whole ecosystem – including fish, plants and the wider natural balance. Protecting these ecosystems now helps maintain the long-term health of our rivers.”

Regulatory restrictions

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA’s Senior Manager in Water Industry and Rural Economy, said: “SEPA has a clear duty to protect Scotland’s rivers and water environment, not just today but for the future. When conditions reach the point where any further reduction in flow would risk damage to the environment, we must act.

“We know that water is vital for people, farms and businesses, which is why we’ve been working so closely with abstractors and membership bodies to provide information about how the water scarcity situation has been developing in recent weeks. But when river levels fall too low for too long, we must act to prevent long-term harm to the environment and future supplies.

Any regulatory action we take is based on robust evidence-based assessments, using up-to-date scientific data and hydrological analysis. That includes measured river levels, rainfall records, soil moisture and weather forecasts – as well as insights from our field staff.

“If restrictions are necessary, they will be targeted, time-limited and lifted as soon as the conditions allow. We want to support Scotland’s water resilience, and we make our decisions based on science and hard facts. That’s what powers Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan and our weekly assessments. This is a coordinated, evidence-driven response to serious environmental pressure.”

Scotland’s bathing water season opens with a decade of progress and record number of locations rated excellent

Scotland’s bathing water season began on 1st June and 2025 is the 10th anniversary of the first samples taken under the revised Bathing Water Directive, which introduced tougher water quality standards and clearer public information.

This year Scotland starts the season with the highest ever number of bathing waters rated “Excellent” for water quality; 50 compared with 17 a decade ago, with 97% of sites now achieving sufficient or better quality.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have led a science-driven programme of monitoring, collaboration, regulation and investment. As well as environmental monitoring, SEPA have worked with operators and stakeholders across Scotland, including Scottish Government, Scottish Water, local authorities, land managers and communities to improve bathing water quality.

As a result, millions of pounds has been invested in wastewater infrastructure, improved agricultural practices and targeted pollution control.

Ruth Stidson, SEPA’s Principal Scientist for Bathing Waters, said: “Scotland’s bathing waters are a vital part of our natural environment – important for health, wellbeing, tourism and community pride.

“A decade on from the revised directive, we’re seeing more sites rated excellent than ever before, 56% today compared to 20% in 2015.

“This improvement is a real testament to partnerships with local authorities and stakeholders, including communities, to protect our water environment, and targeted investment by Scottish Water, farmers and land managers to reduce pollution.”

Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin said: “I am pleased to see a record number of Scotland’s bathing waters rated as ‘excellent’ this year. This is testament to our continued investment in protecting and improving bathing waters across the country and targeted work in priority catchments.

“We want to make sure that as many people as possible can enjoy our bathing waters, which is why we continue to work closely with SEPA, Scottish Water and other public partners to protect and improve water quality.

“We encourage everyone to make use of SEPA’s resources and information to help make an informed decision about where and when to bathe.”

Increased public information

Water quality at all 89 designated bathing waters is routinely analysed during the bathing water season, which runs until 15th September. Most samples show water quality meets required standards, but if results show unexpectedly high bacterial levels precautionary advice against bathing is issued so people can make informed decisions while SEPA investigates.

Like much of life in Scotland, our bathing waters are affected by the weather. Heavy rainfall can wash pollution from fields and streets into rivers and seas, sometimes reducing water quality. Combined sewer overflows, designed to discharge during heavy rain to ease pressure on sewer systems, can also release untreated water. When this happens SEPA advise against bathing between one and three days after heavy rain.

This advice is available daily on SEPA’s website, and on electronic signs at 30 locations. This year, the public can also access Scottish Water’s near real-time sewer overflow map, showing when and where overflows occur. Scottish Water installed over 1,000 monitors in 2024, including all assets within 2 km of amenity waters such as designated bathing waters.

Over the past decade, SEPA have ensured Scottish Water’s investments focus on improving sites that are affecting bathing waters and will continue to do so.

Ruth added: “Scotland’s bathing waters are designated for bathing, but wild swimming is increasingly popular across Scotland.

“When picking a wild swimming spot, risks of illness due to poor water quality can be reduced by selecting locations where there are no local warnings in place advising against swimming. Avoid bathing on higher risk days which follow heavy rainfall and in water with blue-green algal blooms or scums.

“It’s also best to avoid swimming close to known inputs, including watercourses, as these can be sources of pollution. Generally, risks tend to be higher in urban areas or where livestock farming occurs within the catchment as these are the key sources of bacteria for most bathing waters.”

It’s also really important that people know how to stay safe when visiting bathing waters, and what to do in an emergency. Water Safety Scotland was established in 2014 to promote safety and reduce the number of accidental drownings. They have a dedicated page on their website providing advice for a range of water-based activities, including beach safety.

Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland, said: “As the bathing season approaches, we want to remind the public to stay safe around water – especially when it’s hot.

“Although the air temperature may be hot, waterways in Scotland are cold and entering them can lead to Cold Water Shock. Water Safety Scotland’s key message is to follow the Water Safety Code which provides lifesaving information.

“We urge the public to learn the code and teach their families and friends about it.”

Continuing to improve Scotland’s bathing waters

SEPA use advanced microbial source tracking analysis to identify pollution sources by analysing the unique genetic fingerprints of bacteria. This helps pinpoint whether pollution comes from humans, ruminants (like cattle, deer and horses), dogs or seabirds. This allows SEPA to target action more effectively.

This work has shown that bacteria from dog fouling and gulls can contribute to poor water quality at some sites. Visitors can help reduce this by picking up after their dogs and avoiding feeding gulls, as human food harms them and encourages problematic behaviour.

SEPA continue to ensure environmental compliance, while supporting improvements across infrastructure, farming and urban environments.

Tackling diffuse pollution, adapting to climate change, and raising public awareness remain central to protecting water quality and human health at Scotland’s bathing waters for the future.

Find more information about Scotland’s bathing waters, including locations, profiles and classifications, on SEPA’s bathing waters pages.