Water restrictions expanded as 13 areas in Scotland reach 'significant scarcity'

Water supplies in 13 areas across Scotland have reached “significant scarcity”, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has said.

SEPA implemented further abstraction licence restrictions to manage water usage, as prolonged dry conditions continue across the east of the country.

Last week, the Upper Don, Lower Don, North Fife, Deveron, and Ythan catchments were raised to significant scarcity.

On Monday, six new areas reached significant scarcity, taking the total to 13.

Restrictions are being issued for abstraction licence holders in the Tyne (Lothian), Leven (Fife), East Neuk (Fife), Findhorn, South Ugie Water and Lunan Water areas.

Without sufficient rainfall, four further areas are expected to go to significant scarcity over the next few days.

These are the Lower Dee and Water of Feugh, Upper Tweed, and Mid-Tweed and Lauderdale on Tuesday, and Findhorn East on Wednesday.

However restrictions have now been lifted for the Lower Tweed, Berwickshire Coastal, and Whiteadder Water areas after rain over the past week sufficiently improved river conditions in those catchments.

Below-average rainfall

August brought below-average rainfall across the east of Scotland, with some areas receiving less than a third of the normal amount.

SEPA said Newton of Falkland in Fife has recorded its lowest level in its 28-year record, and Muirton Nature Reserve in Angus also recorded its lowest level in its 17-year record.

The agency warned that without sustained rainfall, further catchments are at risk of reaching significant scarcity in the coming week.

David Harley, SEPA’s head of water and planning, said: “Scotland’s rivers are under real pressure, and the six new areas that have reached significant scarcity today reflect the ongoing impact of this exceptionally dry period.

“We know that restrictions are challenging, but they are essential to safeguard the environment, which underpins Scotland’s economy and communities.

“We have been monitoring conditions and engaging with abstractors throughout the summer, and we will continue to work with farmers and other businesses to keep them informed.

“Where conditions improve – as we’ve seen today in the Lower Tweed, Berwickshire Coastal and Whiteadder Water areas – we will lift restrictions as quickly as possible.

“We thank abstractors for their continued efforts to help protect Scotland’s rivers at this critical time.”