Tag: SEPA

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. 

Prolonged dry conditions increase water scarcity across Scotland

Scotland’s water scarcity situation is worsening, with a further decline in river levels following another dry week and only limited rainfall forecast in the days ahead. 

This week’s Water Situation Report, published online by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows that six additional river catchments have moved to Moderate Scarcity. 

The addition of the Tay, Spey, Annan, Nith, Dee (Galloway) and Cree brings the total number of river catchments now at Moderate Scarcity to 17. This covers the east coast Aberdeenshire down to the Scottish Borders and across the south of the country to Dumfries & Galloway.  

While rain is forecast this weekend and the start of next week, it will not reverse the effects of weeks of dry conditions. Some parts of Fife have seen no measurable rain for over a month, and many rivers remain at record lows. The River Tilt in Tayside is at its lowest flow in 34 years of records, and the River Spey has seen its lowest May flow since records began in 1952. 

What do Scotland’s water scarcity levels mean? 

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

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA’s Senior Manager in Water Industry and Rural Economy, said: “Some of Scotland’s most iconic rivers are at record lows, and the environmental impacts are clear. A few days of rain will not undo months of drier than average weather. We need well above average rainfall over a sustained period to see any recovery, especially in the east. 

“It has been the driest start to a year in Scotland since 1964. Fife has had no significant rain for over a month and groundwater levels are some of the lowest on record for the time of year. So, we’re seeing some quite significant issues coming.  

“I’m urging anyone who has a licence from SEPA to take water from the environment to ensure you are doing everything you can to use water efficiently.

“If the weather continues without significant additional rain, we’ll have to take measures to reduce the amount of water that can be taken from the environment.

“The steps you take now are very important in delaying that action.”  

Advice for abstractors 

In Moderate Scarcity areas, active steps must be taken now to reduce water use and protect the environment. 

SEPA is urging all abstractors across Scotland to: 

  • Check abstraction licences and comply fully with all conditions, including hands-off flows. 
  • Switch to alternative sources (where possible). 
  • Plan and collaborate with neighbours to minimise pressure on the environment.  
  • Voluntarily reduce non-essential use in Alert areas. 

Environmental risks from first rainfall 

There is some rain in the forecast, and following dry weather, heavy rainfall can cause sudden changes in water quality. The first rainfall after a dry period can rapidly wash pollutants from roads and land into rivers, creating a short-term shock that ecosystems struggle to absorb. This is a known risk for fish deaths and is a stark reminder of how fragile river systems can be after an extended dry period.  

Anyone concerned about a fish kill should report it to SEPA as soon as possible via sepa.org.uk/report so officers can investigate and ensure there is not an ongoing pollution incident. 

Continued national engagement 

SEPA will continue to work closely with sectors that rely on Scotland’s rivers, including agriculture, hydropower and industry, to help them respond to the challenges of this water scarcity season.  

For regular updates, advice and the latest water scarcity report, visit: 

www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity 

All of Scotland now at some level of water scarcity

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

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

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

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

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

Record-breaking dryness

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

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

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

Water scarcity levels

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

Advice to abstractors

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

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

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

At Alert:

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

At Moderate Scarcity:

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

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

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

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

Everyone can use water more efficiently

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

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

Scottish Water is urging people to help save water by:

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

Half of Scotland’s river catchments now at Alert for water scarcity

Scotland is experiencing growing signs of water scarcity, with half of all river catchments now at Alert status.

The latest water situation report, published yesterday (8th May 2025) by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) reflects the persistent dry conditions and reduced river flows across many parts of the country.

The risk of water scarcity is categorised in four levels – Early Warning, Alert, Moderate Scarcity and Significant Scarcity.

The river catchments of the Nith, Dee (Galloway), Cree, Doon, Irvine and Ayr and the Clyde have been raised to Alert this week, bringing the total to 23. Scotland’s 23 other catchments are all at Early Warning leaving only the Inner Hebrides classed as normal.

SEPA began warning of a greater risk of water scarcity at the beginning of March, after below-average rainfall over winter following a particularly dry autumn.

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA’s Senior Manager in Water Industry and Rural Economy, said: “With no rainfall forecast across Scotland in the coming days we expect ground conditions to continue getting drier and river flows to decrease or remain low.

“We have been warning since the start of Spring that continued drier weather could disrupt agricultural activities, strain local water supplies and impact industries that depend on consistent water availability. Prolonged water scarcity can also impact local ecosystems, lower water quality and place additional pressure on native flora and fauna.

“Several industries across Scotland rely on natural water resources, whether it’s for food and drink production, hydropower or maintaining world famous golf courses. The next few weeks and months are a crucial time of year for water demand and those who take water from our environment must manage it wisely, minimising the need for restrictions to be imposed by SEPA.”

SEPA are working with key partners, including NFUS, to share messaging and offer practical advice to those affected. Direct communications are underway with abstractors in catchments at Alert level, reminding them of the need to plan ahead, use water efficiently, and consider voluntary reductions where possible.

The public, land managers and water users are also being asked to share images and observations of local rivers and burns to help build a fuller picture of conditions across the country.

Eilidh Johnston added: “We have monitoring points across Scotland, but local eyes and ears are invaluable and help us better understand how the information our gauges are providing matches up with conditions on the ground.

“Photos of dry riverbeds, low flows, or impacted habitats help us assess the scale of pressure in places we can’t reach every day.”

Include the name of the river or burn, the location (a grid reference is helpful but anything to point to a location is beneficial) and a description of the signs of water scarcity stress

Photographs can be submitted by email to lowflowimpacts@sepa.org.uk.

If you would like your image to be credited for use in communications about water scarcity, please state the credit information in your submission. Alternatively, let SEPA know if you do not want the photograph used for any other purpose than to assess water scarcity.

River catchments at Alert

Nith, Dee (Galloway), Cree, Doon, Irvine and Ayr, Clyde, Shin, Naver, Conon, Spey, Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Dee (Aberdeenshire), Esk, Firth of Tay, Firth of Forth, Almond, Tyne (Lothian), Tweed, Esk (Dumfriesshire), Annan and Thurso.