The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is warning that the majority of Scotland is now affected by water scarcity – SEPA is urging businesses extracting water to manage water wisely as the country continues to experience warm, dry weather.

Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, Nathan Critchlow-Watton, said:

“The water scarcity picture in Scotland is just one of the consequences of climate change the country faces, and its frequency and severity is only likely to increase in the future. This is a crucial time of year for water demand, but with no rain in the forecast we cannot rule out needing to impose restrictions over the summer.

"Abstractors must manage water wisely in the coming weeks and months and should already have contingency plans in place in case restrictions are needed to avoid long-term damage to the environment and fish populations

“All of us have a responsibility in managing our water environment, this summer and beyond. By using water efficiently, businesses can increase their resilience to the impacts of prolonged dry conditions and save money.”

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

According to the Agency, below average rainfall for May has led to a deteriorating water scarcity situation across Scotland, with the Loch Maree area in the Highlands moving from Alert level to Moderate Scarcity.

The area has now reached the second highest risk level, as shown in the weekly report published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) on Thursday 1st June 2023.

In addition, the lack of rain and increasingly dry ground conditions means 12 areas in the Northwest and Southern Central region are now experiencing in Alert level, while most of the rest of Scotland is now at Early Warning for Water Scarcity. North Aberdeenshire is the only area that remains at Normal Conditions for the time being.

Businesses extracting water are being urged to put their water scarcity plans into action now to reduce pressure on the environment and preserve water resources. According to SEPA, with little rain forecast for the next few weeks, the water scarcity situation is expected to escalate quickly.

Low rainfall and more dry weather to come

Scotland received only 44% of the long-term average rainfall across the country in May. With little rainfall forecast in the next week across Scotland, SEPA said in the coming weeks the situation could escalate quickly, and extend across a much wider area.

The Loch Maree area in the Highlands has recorded prolonged extremely low river flows. The surrounding areas of the Northwest Highlands, extending down to Loch Ness, are also experiencing very low river levels so have moved to Alert level.

Areas in the Southern Central region that have increased to Alert level include the Clyde, parts of Dumfries and Galloway, and South Lanarkshire.

Nathan Critchlow-Watton added:

“We want to work with businesses to plan their water usage long-term so that we can preserve this vital resource as effectively as possible. Not only will that protect Scotland’s rivers and lochs, but it will minimise business risks as well.

“In the meantime, by taking the right steps now, abstractors can help make water supplies last as long as possible through this period.”

As Alert level has been reached, SEPA said that water scarcity reports will now be published weekly on its website.

Click here to download SEPA's Water Scarcity Report w/c 1st June 2023