Tag: water scarcity warning

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is warning that early signs of water scarcity are emerging across Scotland, with businesses urged to take action now to manage their water use and ensure their operations have climate resilience built in.

The latest Water Situation Update  latest Water Situation Update published online covers March, showing the month brought below-average rainfall across most of the country. Some areas in the south saw less than a third of what they’d usually expect. This continues the trend that was highlighted in SEPA’s Winter water situation report 2025.

Parts of Angus and Fife have now seen 10 straight months of below-average rainfall, receiving less than half of what’s normal for March. Only Shetland recorded above-average rainfall.

The impact is already being seen. River flows are running low to extremely low for this time of year, and groundwater levels from SEPA’s monitoring points are dipping further due to a lack of winter recharge.

Groundwater levels are lower than levels recorded in early April 2022, particularly in Fife and Angus. That year later saw a summer drought with restrictions put on abstractions from rivers in some areas. The only area of the country with groundwater levels above normal for the time of year is Moray, reflecting the higher-than-average rainfall in this area over the winter period.

A changing climate: the need for resilience and adaptation

Despite Scotland’s reputation as a wet country, climate trends are shifting. Extended dry periods are becoming more common, increasing the risk of water scarcity. SEPA’s three-year Corporate Plan highlights climate resilience as a strategic priority for the agency, helping businesses and communities adapt to the impacts of climate change and build in resilience to extreme weather events.

Notably, 2024 was the first year in some time that Scotland did not experience any significant water scarcity, thanks to more favourable rainfall patterns. The return of early warnings so early in 2025 highlights the increasing unpredictability of Scotland’s climate and the need for long-term adaptation.

Kenny Boag, SEPA’s Head of Environmental Performance (National), said: “Water scarcity is becoming a growing challenge in Scotland, and the data from March shows there is an increased risk that water scarcity could occur early in the season this year.

“As part of our commitment to helping Scotland become more climate resilient, we’ll continue to monitor the situation closely. Following on from this water situation update, our weekly water scarcity reporting will begin in May, unless the situation deteriorates sooner. This will provide regular updates on conditions to ensure businesses can prepare for any potential challenges ahead.

“We’ll continue to work closely with Scottish Government, businesses and key stakeholders – including the agricultural sector, industry and Scottish Water – over the coming months to monitor water levels, manage resources sustainably, support adaptation measures and ensure the correct balance is struck between protecting the environment and providing resources for human and economic activity.”

It is important to note that while SEPA plays a key role in monitoring the environment and managing abstractions from Scotland’s natural water resources for agriculture and other industrial uses, Scottish Water is responsible for the public water supply.

The latest Water Situation Update is available at sepa.org.uk/water-scarcity where abstractors can also find guidance on water efficiency and adaptation strategies.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are calling on businesses to pay urgent attention to the growing threat of water shortages and take action, as every part of Scotland has now reached some level of scarcity.

SEPA forecasts that 28 out of 83 areas (a third) will be at Significant water scarcity level by 30th June 2023 if there is no recovery in river levels.

The latest report, published on SEPA’s website, reveals there has been no respite in any area, and the risk has increased for most. The isolated thunderstorms have done little to alleviate the situation and ground conditions continue to dry rapidly.

The Loch Maree area reached Significant last week, the highest risk level, and remains there this week. The Ness also remains at Moderate scarcity, the second highest level, and is joined by the Inner Hebrides, parts of the central belt, and the whole Southwest. The rest of Scotland is in Alert, with the exception of the Shetland islands at Early Warning.

The hot, dry weather is expected to continue and dominate into late June and early July, with any further short periods of intense rain unlikely to help water levels recover sufficiently. It follows a drier than average winter across most of the country, and a particularly dry May when Scotland received only 44% of the long-term average rainfall.

The First Minister last week convened a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR), which focused on the situation and Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan. The plan 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, and clearly sets out what actions SEPA and abstractors are required to take at each stage.

Engagement with businesses abstracting water from the environment has been ongoing to help build resilience and warn of the increasing likelihood of extreme weather events such as water scarcity.

SEPA has seen many examples of good practice and innovation, but the severity of the situation now means we must consider suspending abstraction licences in the coming week in the worst affected areas, including Dumfriesshire and other parts of the Southwest.

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 only be possible for a small number of abstractors. SEPA will be in direct contact with businesses affected to provide additional advice.

Nathan Critchlow-Watton, Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, said: “Scotland’s climate is changing, and we urgently need to adapt. Severe water scarcity has significant impacts on our environment, our economy and society. Our rivers and lochs are under immense stress and it’s clear further action will be needed to protect them.

“We’ve been working with businesses for some time, with a clear message around adaption. We’re seeing some progressive and innovative responses and we understand the challenges Scottish businesses are facing. That’s why any decision to suspend licences will not taken lightly. However, the situation is deteriorating fast, and we strongly urge those abstracting water from the environment to be aware of the immediate risk and follow our advice and guidance.

“Last year, we warned a decrease in summer rainfall may exert pressure on areas that have not experienced water scarcity before, and that’s now happening. It is vitally important that Scotland is prepared to deal with water scarcity both now and in the future and people work together to plan for and manage water scarcity events.”

The combination of very low river flows and high temperatures poses a real threat to fish, invertebrates and plants. While some parts of river ecology can recover quickly, others such as fish and plant populations can be seriously damaged longer-term or lost completely.

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.