Businesses urged to plan water use
Dry weather has led to more Scottish river catchments moving through the water scarcity levels, according to the latest report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
The number of catchments affected continues to grow, with four additional areas moving into Moderate Scarcity and nine more reaching Early Warning. Around half of Scotland’s river catchments are now at one of SEPA’s water scarcity levels.
Moderate Scarcity is now in place in the Tyne in Lothian, Firth of Forth, Firth of Tay, Don in Aberdeenshire, Esk and Tweed catchments.
Water scarcity means there is less water available in rivers, lochs and groundwater, increasing pressure on the environment and on businesses and farmers that rely on taking water from natural sources.
Rainfall has been normal to wet across western and much of northern Scotland. In contrast, much of the east has experienced dry conditions, with parts of Angus and Fife extremely dry. Ground conditions are dry across much of eastern Scotland, particularly along the east coast.
SEPA is continuing to work with businesses that take water from rivers, lochs and groundwater, providing practical advice to help them plan ahead, use water efficiently and reduce pressure on the environment.
Eilidh Johnston, senior leader in compliance, said: “While conditions are not as severe as this point last year, the coming weeks and months are a critical time for water demand. Those who take water should already be taking steps to use less, plan ahead and make sure they are prepared if conditions continue to deteriorate.”