Tag: water scarcity report

Scotland’s east coast faces ‘significant water scarcity’

Scotland faces record water scarcity with 17 catchments at Significant

Scotland’s east coast is facing record pressure on its rivers, with 17 areas now at Significant Scarcity – the highest number since the current version of the National Water Scarcity Plan was introduced. More areas could reach this level in the coming days.

While it is difficult to compare directly with previous years because area boundaries have been refined over time, this year stands out for the scale and duration of low rivers flows. In the Lower Spey, for example, the 2025 season has seen the highest number of low-flow days in a 70-year record.

In response, SEPA have imposed temporary restrictions on licensed abstractions in affected areas. The total number of licence restrictions put in place so far this year is around 270, the highest number SEPA have ever issued.

Significant Scarcity is now affecting the Upper Tweed, Mid-Tweed and Lauderdale, Tyne (Lothian), Fife (East Neuk), Leven (Fife), Lunan Water, Lower Dee and Water of Feugh, South Ugie Water, River Findhorn, Findhorn (East), River Avon, Lower Spey, Deveron, Upper and Lower Don (Aberdeenshire), Ythan and North Fife areas.

All affected licence holders have been issued with letters explaining what they need to do, with the time and date the restrictions come into effect. SEPA officers are out in catchments daily, monitoring conditions and supporting abstractors.

The River Lossie will reach Significant Scarcity on Friday. Unless there is sustained rainfall over the coming days the Brodie, River Helmsdale, Cromarty Firth (North), Inverness (East), River Nairn, Kyle of Sutherland and River Carron areas are due to go to Significant Scarcity next week.

While some rain is forecast, it is not yet clear whether this will be enough to see rivers recover enough to lift restrictions. SEPA will monitor the situation closely.

Regional conditions

North-East

Significant Scarcity: Deveron, Ythan, Upper and Lower Don, Lower Dee and Water of Feugh

Moderate Scarcity: Rest of the Dee

Speyside

Significant Scarcity: Lower Spey, River Findhorn, Findhorn East, River Avon, and from Friday the River Lossie

Moderate Scarcity: Rest of the Findhorn (Brodie and River Nairn), Mid and Upper Spey

Highlands and Islands

Moderate Scarcity: Helmsdale, Shin, Conon, Inverness (East)

Alert: River Naver, Thurso, Orkney

Early Warning: Shetland

Central – East

Significant Scarcity: East Neuk of Fife, Leven, Lunan Water, North Fife, Tyne

Moderate Scarcity: Almond and the rest of the Esk, Firth of Forth and Firth of Tay catchments

South – East

Significant Scarcity: Upper Tweed, Mid-Tweed & Lauderdale

Moderate Scarcity: Rest of the Tweed catchment

Unusual year of pressure

This year has been highly unusual, with repeated dry weather keeping rivers under strain throughout 2025.

Rivers naturally cope with changes in flow as part of their annual cycle, but extended low flows increase pressure on river ecology and recovery takes longer. Repeated low-flow years increase the risk of long-term or even permanent changes.

To better understand the impacts, SEPA has increased ecological monitoring. Additional assessments have been carried out over the summer to assess impacts on fish, in-stream ecology, and water quality.

David Harley, SEPA’s Head of Water and Planning, said: “With 17 catchments now at Significant Scarcity, and more abstraction licences restricted than ever before, Scotland’s rivers are under record pressure.

“Restrictions are always a last resort, but they are essential to protect the environment and all water users. The National Water Scarcity Plan sets out an approach which ensures the correct balance between protecting the environment and providing water for human and economic activity. It has clear thresholds for when restrictions are imposed and lifted, based on detailed monitoring of river levels underpinned by evidence and expertise in relation to the impact of extended low flows on river ecology.

“This year has been highly unusual – we’ve not seen water scarcity conditions persist for this length of time before. It underlines the importance of learning from these events and planning for how Scotland uses and protects its precious water resources in the face of climate change.”

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 levels return to normal across most of Scotland

20230721-water-scarcity-reportDownload

Businesses abstracting water from the environment are being urged not to get complacent as river and ground water levels return to normal across much of Scotland.

The latest water scarcity report, published today by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), reveals most of the country has now recovered to Normal Conditions or Early Warning.

This is in stark contrast to just three weeks ago when five areas of Scotland had reached Significant, the highest level available, following a period of prolonged dry weather.

Chris Dailly, Head of Environmental Performance – Geographic at SEPA, said: “Last month was challenging for those businesses reliant on water from the environment. We very much welcome this turnaround in conditions and much needed revival of river levels.

“It’s served as a reminder of the vital role water plays in many industries in Scotland and the crucial part businesses play in ensuring the sustainability of local water environments.

“As climate change exacerbates water scarcity, it’s imperative that water abstractors understand the impact of their usage and step up their efforts to manage this now and longer-term.”

Further rain is forecast across the southern half of the country this weekend, which may lead to continued recovery in some areas.

However, river flows and ground conditions have seen less recovery and are drier in the north-east, Fife and East Lothian, which remain in Alert level. Another dry spell may quickly lead to a deterioration in the water scarcity situation in these areas.

SEPA are urging abstractors in Alert areas, especially if taking water from burns and small rivers, to:

  • Routinely check equipment isn’t leaking.
  • Only use the water required for the use.
  • Consider water saving measures for next irrigation season.
  • If the catchment reaches Moderate Water Scarcity, consider your upcoming water needs and begin to plan with others in the catchment to share the resource or schedule abstractions.

SEPA are responsible for monitoring and reporting on the situation facing Scotland’s water resources and work with businesses all year round in industries such as agriculture, food and drink production, hydro energy and leisure to increase resilience to water scarcity.

More information, guidance and advice can be found at:  www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity.

Water scarcity situation worsens despite week of thunderstorms

Part of the River Esk area in Dumfries and Galloway is the second in Scotland to reach the highest water scarcity level in the most recent report published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). It joins Loch Maree in the Highlands, which remains at Significant for a third week.

While heavy, thundery showers across the country have led to some very localised recovery of rivers and groundwater, they have not been enough to sufficiently replenish levels and conditions continue to get worse.

The Conon river area in the Highlands and the Outer Hebrides have now been escalated to Moderate Scarcity, where the southwest and much of central Scotland remain. Without further rainfall, these areas risk reaching Significant. The rest of the country is in Alert level.

Protecting our water environment

Authorised water abstractors in Loch Maree and River Esk areas already have conditions as part of their permits to protect the environment against low river flows, and no additional restrictions are required by SEPA.

However, as further areas reach Significant water scarcity, action will be required to protect the sustainability of local water environments. SEPA understands the impacts on businesses facing these challenging conditions and is working to avoid full suspensions on abstractions; where possible, measures to significantly reduce the volume of water taken from rivers and lochs will be implemented.

Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, Nathan Critchlow-Watton said: “We know the pressures facing Scottish businesses right know, including Scotland’s farmers, and the importance of the food and drink they produce.

“That’s why we’re determined to protect our environment whilst supporting Scotland during prolonged dry periods such as this.

“Our approach is proportionate, aiming to help those businesses using the least water and whose activities are most efficient to continue operating.

“This is a temporary position, recognising the impact suspensions can have on businesses, but it’s important abstractors understand the need to work with us now and in future years to adapt to water scarcity.”

20230623-water-scarcity-reportDownload

Advice and guidance

SEPA is liaising with all sectors that abstract water from the environment, including agriculture, food and drink and leisure. Businesses are expected to put in place additional mitigation now to minimise the impacts of continued abstraction.

Guidance has been issued on which abstractors may be excluded from restrictions or have the volume of water they can take reduced rather than stopped. This will not be possible for all abstractors. SEPA will be in direct contact with businesses affected to provide additional advice.

Abstractors and irrigators are asked to manage water wisely, check SEPA’s water scarcity reports regularly and be aware of the situation in their area. They should regularly check abstraction equipment to make sure it’s in good condition and fix any leaks straight away. During dry periods, the volume and rate of abstractions should be reduced where possible.

It is also crucial for businesses to have a contingency plan for if restrictions are put in place by SEPA on abstractions. This can include using an alternative source if available within current authorisations.

More information, guidance and advice can be found at:

 www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity.

SEPA: Significant water scarcity warnings despite the rain

Water scarcity situation now Significant in River Tyne, with more catchments expected to follow

  • The Tyne catchment in East Lothian has reached Significant Scarcity and water abstractors are being contacted about possible licence suspensions
  • Suspensions remain in force in parts of the Tweed catchment, with the rest of the catchment expected to reach Significant Scarcity in the coming days.
  • The Ythan catchment in Aberdeenshire is also expected to join the Tyne and Tweed in Significant Scarcity in the next few days.

River and groundwater levels are critically low in the Tyne catchment in East Lothian, with the area reaching Significant water scarcity in the latest report published by The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Businesses reliant on water abstractions are being contacted about next steps and possible licence suspensions to prevent further harm and potentially irreversible damage to the local water environment.

SEPA officers will be engaging with abstractors where suspensions are required to ensure compliance and advise restrictions will be lifted as soon as conditions improve sufficiently.

Parts of the Tweed catchment in the Scottish Borders remain in Significant water scarcity with suspensions on abstractions still in place. The rest of the area is also expected to reach this level in the coming days, along with the River Ythan catchment in Aberdeenshire.

Nathan Critchlow-Watton, Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, said: “Although we have seen some rainfall in these areas over the last week, it has not been enough to make up for the long-term deficits that have built up throughout the year.

“With more prolonged dry weather forecast, we will continue to monitor conditions and take appropriate action until the risk of water scarcity has reduced.

“Suspensions are part of Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan, which is designed to ensure the correct balance is struck between protecting the environment and providing resource for human and economic activity during prolonged dry periods. They are a last resort and SEPA only takes such action when the evidence tells us it can no longer be avoided.

“It is vital that business reliant on local water environments are prepared for these conditions as climate change means water scarcity is becoming a more regular occurrence. We are already seeing that this summer and we are committed to working with those affected now and in the future to help them build resilience.”

Further advice and guidance

Businesses may be able to switch to groundwater as their source and can apply to do so on our website. Applications from Significant Scarcity areas will be prioritised and fast-tracked.

Anyone concerned about meeting licence conditions or wishing to discuss contingency measures are encouraged to contact SEPA by emailing waterscarcity@sepa.org.uk

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

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