The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has issued a “significant scarcity” alert for the Ythan and North Fife catchments, marking the highest level of water scarcity in these areas. River levels have reached a “critical” point, leading Sepa to impose restrictions on the amount of water that can be taken from the environment.
This alert follows what has been the driest spring since 1964, coupled with a summer filled with long stretches of hot and dry weather. Sepa has written to all affected licence holders, informing them of the new restrictions now in place.
While these restrictions are temporary, Sepa has stressed their importance in protecting the environment, wildlife, and communities that rely on healthy rivers. The restrictions will be lifted as soon as conditions improve, but until then, they remain essential for managing the scarce water resources.
In other parts of Scotland, areas like the Deveron, Don, Esk (Angus), Firth of Tay, and Tyne (Lothian) have been under a “moderate scarcity” alert for an extended period. Last week, the Spey, Almond, and Tweed catchments were also escalated to this level. Sepa has warned that without consistent rainfall, other areas, including the Deveron and Don, could soon face “significant scarcity” in the coming days.
Chris Dailly, Sepa’s head of environmental performance (geographic), acknowledged the challenges farmers and businesses face but emphasised the importance of protecting Scotland’s water environment. “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,” he said, reported the Telegraph.
Dailly reminded those who extract water that they should already have plans in place to reduce volumes, stagger water use, and follow the conditions set out in their licences.
