The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has confirmed that six new areas have reached Significant Scarcity. 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.

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

This means a net total of 13 areas are now at Significant Scarcity in the east.

Temporary reductions, variations or suspensions of abstraction licences are needed to protect the environment during a prolonged period of low rainfall. All affected licence holders will be written to by SEPA, with details of what they must do, along with the date and time the restrictions come into effect.

The east of Scotland has been experiencing a prolonged period of below-average rainfall since last Autumn. Many rivers in the east are recording flows well below the level needed to sustain ecological health, while groundwater levels are lowest on record in some boreholes.

SEPA hydrologists monitor river levels daily at locations across the country, using the agency’s Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT) to determine if restrictions are required. Significant Scarcity is reached when river flows have been very low for 30 days or more.

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.

Since early summer, SEPA have been liaising closely with water abstractors and industry bodies, including NFUS, to help prepare for and manage the impacts of water scarcity. This engagement has been central to ensuring businesses can plan for restrictions and adapt their operations where possible.

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 reflects 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.”

SOURCE: SEPA