Farmers and businesses in parts of eastern Scotland are facing the country’s first water scarcity restrictions of 2025 following prolonged dry weather.

The Ythan and North Fife catchments have reached Significant Scarcity, the highest level of water scarcity. To protect the sustainability of local rivers, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have restricted the amount of water that can be taken from the environment in these areas.

SEPA are writing directly to every affected licence holder to inform them of the restrictions now in place and when they come into force. Restrictions will be temporary and will be lifted as soon as conditions allow, but they are essential to safeguard the environment, wildlife and communities that depend on healthy rivers.

The restrictions follow months of worsening conditions. Rainfall data shows every month of 2025 has been drier than average on Scotland’s east coast. In some areas the deficit stretches back to June 2024, with around 40% less rainfall than the long-term average. This prolonged shortfall, combined with a warm, sunny spring and summer, has left rivers, soils and groundwater under pressure.

SEPA have been communicating directly with abstractors since mid-May and expect all licence holders to follow advice and guidance for their area.

Other catchments are already under sustained stress. The Deveron, Don, Esk (Angus), Firth of Tay and Tyne (Lothian) have been at Moderate Scarcity for an extended period, while the Spey, Almond and Tweed catchments were escalated to Moderate Scarcity last week. Licence holders in these areas are being advised to manage abstractions carefully.

Without a period of consistent rainfall, further catchments, including the Deveron and Don, could escalate to Significant Scarcity in the coming days.

There remains uncertainty over the influence of the remnants of ex-Hurricane Erin later this week and SEPA will continue to monitor conditions closely.

Chris Dailly, SEPA’s Head of Environmental Performance (Geographic), said:

“The water environment in parts of Scotland is clearly under stress and protecting it remains a top priority. We recognise the challenges that farmers and other businesses face, but no one should be caught off guard – we’ve been speaking directly to licence holders across the summer. If you abstract water you should already have plans in place to reduce volumes, stagger abstractions and follow the conditions of your licence.”

SEPA continues to monitor and report weekly on river and groundwater levels.

More information, guidance and advice can be found on the water scarcity page.