SEPA warns water restrictions could be imposed within days amid drier than average 2025

Scots have been warned that water restrictions could be imposed within days due to scarcity in some areas.

Despite thunderstorms at the end of last week, including reports of large hail in Dundee and parts of Aberdeenshire, rainfall data shows that every month since the start of 2025 has been drier than average.

In some eastern areas, this extends back to June 2024, with 40% less rainfall than the long-term average over that period.

The unusually dry months paired with the warm, sunny spring and summer has left rivers, soils and groundwater under pressure.

If very low flows persist in the Deveron, Ythan, Upper and Lower Don in Aberdeenshire, North Fife and the Lower Tweed, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) expect those areas could move into significant scarcity as early as next week.

SEPA assess water scarcity each week using long term data and on the ground evidence.

Where there is a risk of environmental harm, the agency can reduce or temporarily stop licensed abstractions.

Any measures would be targeted and time-limited, reviewed regularly, and lifted as soon as flows recover.

Kenny Boag, SEPA’s head of environmental performance (National), said: “Some rivers in the east of Scotland are days away from the point where restrictions may be needed to protect the environment. We are speaking directly to licence holders, so no one should be caught off guard.

“If you abstract water from the environment, you should already have plans in place. Reduce volumes where you can, stagger abstractions and make sure you are following the conditions of your licence.”

Which areas are affected?

SEPA’s four-tier water scarcity scale goes from Early Warning through Alert and Moderate Scarcity up to Significant Scarcity.

There are no areas in Scotland which are above a Moderate Scarcity warning.

The catchments impacted are:

Moderate Scarcity – Escalated this week: Spey, Almond and Tweed catchments. They join the Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Esk (Angus), Firth of Tay and Tyne (Lothian), which have been at Moderate Scarcity for several months.

Alert – Escalated this week: Earn and Orkney catchments. The Findhorn, Dee (Aberdeenshire) and Firth of Forth catchments remain at this level.

Early Warning – Escalated this week: Forth, Esk (Dumfriesshire), Annan, Nith, Dee (Galloway), Cree and Leven (Dunbartonshire) catchments have been moved from Normal to Early Warning. Wick, Helmsdale, Tay, Clyde, Naver and Thurso catchments remain at this level.