SEPA warns water restrictions on businesses possible unless rainfall improves
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said on Thursday that despite recent rain, water scarcity continues to increase in parts of the north and north-east.
The Wick and Helmsdale river catchments have now been raised to moderate water scarcity, and SEPA said the Avon catchment (Spey), the lower Dee and the Water of Feugh in Aberdeenshire and the Helmsdale catchment may reach significant scarcity next week.
In may mean restrictions on businesses taking water from the environment will be needed.
SEPA said rain over the past week has led to recovery in areas of the west coast, and the Highlands and islands, but the east has remained largely dry. It said that is due in part to the rain shadow effect where moist air loses much of its rain as it moves over mountains, leaving drier conditions on the other side.
Scotland has seen one of the driest starts to a year in decades this year, with some parts of the country having had little rain.
Meanwhile the spring was the second driest in 100 years in eastern Scotland, SEPA says, and some areas have had below average rainfall for more than 12 months.
Wet weather is forecast in the coming week, but SEPA said well above average rainfall will be needed to reverse the effects of the long dry spell.
Claire Tunaley, senior hydrologist at SEPA's water resources unit, said: 'By monitoring current river flows at key points across the country, and using rainfall data, soil moisture data, groundwater levels and what we see in the field, we can assess where recovery is happening and where risk remains.
'Our drought risk assessment tool, known as Drat, uses data from river gauging stations to monitor flows closely.'
She said if water flow falls below the threshold for 30 days or more, it indicates significant water scarcity and a high risk of ecological impact.
She added: 'When rivers reach critical lows, it affects the whole ecosystem – including fish, plants and the wider natural balance.
'Protecting these ecosystems now helps maintain the long-term health of our rivers.'
Eilidh Johnston, SEPA's senior manager in water industry and rural economy, said: 'SEPA has a clear duty to protect Scotland's rivers and water environment, not just today but for the future.
'When conditions reach the point where any further reduction in flow would risk damage to the environment, we must act.
'We know that water is vital for people, farms and businesses, which is why we've been working so closely with abstractors and membership bodies to provide information about how the water scarcity situation has been developing in recent weeks.
'But when river levels fall too low for too long, we must act to prevent long-term harm to the environment and future supplies.
'Any regulatory action we take is based on robust evidence-based assessments, using up-to-date scientific data and hydrological analysis.
'That includes measured river levels, rainfall records, soil moisture and weather forecasts – as well as insights from our field staff.
'If restrictions are necessary, they will be targeted, time-limited and lifted as soon as the conditions allow. We want to support Scotland's water resilience, and we make our decisions based on science and hard facts.
'That's what powers Scotland's National Water Scarcity Plan and our weekly assessments. This is a co-ordinated, evidence-driven response to serious environmental pressure.'
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Sewage leak at Aberdeen beach leads to swimming warning
People are being advised to avoid swimming and paddling at Aberdeen beach after sewage was discharged into the spill happened during a power outage at Nigg Waste Water Treatment Works, which also caused a power cut in the area on Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said power had been restored but confirmed sewage was discharged into the sea close to Aberdeen harbour.A spokesperson said its "temporary guidance" was to avoid bathing in the area until it was satisfied that the situation had returned to normal.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Exact date Scotland will battered by rare ‘pollen bomb' as temperatures set to hit 22 degrees
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTS are facing a 'pollen bomb' affecting half the country over the next 24 hours - as the mercury rises to 22C. Around 2.2million residents are under the threat from the hay fever-inducing grains on Thursday, causing potential misery for many. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 A pollen bomb is set to hit parts of Scotland The Met Office prediction covers major cities and towns including Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth and Stirling. Fife and Dumfries and Galloway also fall within the warning zone. Weather experts indicate grass pollen concentrations will reach elevated levels on Thursday, registering between 50 and 150 grains of grass pollen per cubic metre. Hay fever reactions typically commence at 50 grains per cubic metre. The remainder of Scotland will maintain low grass pollen readings, with both areas dropping back to minimal levels on Friday. Saturday will witness Grampian and Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders experiencing moderate conditions, while all three eastern coastal areas will register moderate readings on Sunday, July 27. Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax allergen barrier balm, said: 'The grass pollen season hasn't finished yet in Scotland.' He explained the 'pollen bomb' – an unofficial phrase describing a sudden brief surge of intense pollen release – will spark hay fever reactions in numerous individuals. He added: 'With the latest pollen bomb forecast for the Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders and Central, Tayside and Fife regions, many people will get symptoms again as 95% of hay fever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen.' We previously reported how Scots are still recovering from last weekend's deluge of torrential downpours and thunderstorms, which caused flooding chaos over the last few days. Parts of the country saw two weeks' worth of rain fall in just one hour as extreme weather gripped the nation. The Met Office issued three back-to-back yellow warnings that lasted from Friday through to Tuesday, and on Monday SEPA issued a total of 16 flood alerts and three flood warnings. Forecasters warned there was a chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater as thunderstorms posed 'a danger to life'. The torrential rain was so severe in some areas that roads and rail lines were left completely submerged, and in other places some locals were forced to use paddleboards to get around towns. So it's no wonder that many Scots will be hoping to see some more sunshine now that we're at the peak time of summer.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Daily Record
All the places in Scotland under flood alerts as thunderstorm warning begins
Scotland is to be engulfed by thundery weather, with a yellow rainfall alert issued for almost the entire country One minute we're basking in a heatwave and the next we're bracing ourselves for thunderstorms - such is the duality of Scottish weather. Despite enjoying soaring temperatures last weekend, the rain is back with a vengeance. Extensive thunderstorm warnings were issued over the weekend by the Met Office and those warnings will rumble on into today, Monday, July 21, with yellow warnings for rain, thunder and lightening coming into effect at 11am. The warning is due to subside at 9pm tonight. A separate rain warning has also been rolled out specifically for Argyll and Bute and the Highlands. This starts at 3pm today and will subside at 6am tomorrow, Tuesday, July 22. The notice urges that rain will become persistent and heavy on Monday afternoon and continue into Monday night, with rainfall amounting to 30-40mm in some places - although, alarmingly, some places could see as much as 70mm. This deluge will be particularly felt over Knoydart and Skye. The downpours are set to ease later in the night but road closures, travel disruption, and even damage to some buildings could cause upset in the meantime. "Scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected on Monday," the thunderstorm warning reads. "Rainfall amounts will vary from place to place but 20-30 mm is likely within an hour in a few places, with a small chance of 40-50 mm in one or two locations; this most likely across southern Scotland and northern England. "Lightning strikes are also likely along with the potential for hail and gusty winds." The national weather agency underlines that there is a chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly. Floodwater or lightning strikes could also damage some buildings. Some communities could become cut off by flooded roads, too, and where there is flooding or lightning strikes, buses and trains could be delayed or cancelled. What's more, the power could go in your home or business, and there is even a chance, albeit "small," that fast flowing or deep floodwater could endanger life. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has reacted by issuing 15 flood alerts across Scotland, stretching from Aberdeen to Wester Ross. This is when flooding is possible, so people should get prepared now. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. SEPA warns widespread heavy rain "could lead to some significant impacts from surface water and small watercourses". The body advised residents to " remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property." The flood alert is in force until further notice. All the places in Scotland currently under flood alert Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Argyll and Bute Ayrshire and Arran Central Dumfries and Galloway Dundee and Angus Easter Ross and Great Glen Edinburgh and Lothians Fife Findhorn, Nairn, Moray and Speyside Scottish Borders Skye and Lochaber Tayside West Central Scotland Wester Ross Wondering what to do? Before gusty winds arrive, check to ensure moveable objects or temporary structures are well secured, the Met Office advises. Items include bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, gazebos, sheds, and consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items to cope better with power you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car). Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning. More advice can be found on the Met Office's weather warning page here.
