The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is warning that Scotland’s water scarcity situation is worsening, as prolonged dry conditions increase water scarcity across the country.

This week’s Water Situation Report, published online by SEPA shows that six additional river catchments have moved to Moderate Scarcity. with a further decline in river levels following another dry week and only limited rainfall forecast in the days ahead.

The Moderate Scarcity level means there is clear environmental impact, and action is expected from abstractors to protect rivers and the species that rely on them.

SEPA is also warning that 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.

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 was forecast for the Bank Holiday weekend and this 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.

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.”

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