Parts of Scotland moved onto water scarcity alert level
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is warning of an increasing water scarcity situation across many parts of the country.
North-west Scotland including Clyde, Ayrshire, Orkney and the Western Isles is moving to Alert level while most of the rest of the country is moving to the Early Warning tier, with Irvine and Ayr raised to Moderate Scarcity level.
SEPA has warned of an increasing water scarcity situation across much of Scotland, with businesses which abstract water all year round being encouraged to take steps to reduce their water usage.
The latest weekly water situation report published by SEPA shows that the majority of the country has been raised to Early Warning level as conditions could deteriorate rapidly if the dry weather continues.
June has seen below average rainfall across the country and ground conditions have continued to dry rapidly over the past two weeks.
In north and south-western areas which have experienced a relatively dry spring, many rivers have had prolonged low flows and depleted water resources.
River levels are now also low across eastern catchment areas - not unusual for the time of year - but with low rainfall forecast in the short term this situation could continue and result in impacts to the environment and affect water supplies.
As a result, catchments between north Fife and Aberdeen have also been raised to alert level.
Groundwater levels are falling but so far remain within the normal range for the time of year.
The longer-term forecast suggests that there is an increased likelihood of hot, dry weather compared to normal, with a greater chance of impacts from hot weather.
But there is some brief respite with rain forecast from tomorrow for the next few days in much of the Highlands and other parts of the country.
Terry A’Hearn, SEPA chief executive, said: “The severity of the water scarcity picture in part of Scotland is further evidence that water scarcity will become more and more prevalent – and is just one of the many consequences of climate change the country faces.
“That is why it is important for businesses that abstract water to understand that SEPA is here to offer support and guidance, and we are setting out the key measures abstractors should be taking to conserve water, which is shared and finite.
“We want to work with businesses to plan long-term about their water usage so that we can preserve the resource as effectively as possible. This will protect both Scotland’s rivers and lochs and reduce their business risks.”
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Businesses looking for information on water scarcity and meeting licence conditions urged to contact SEPA at WaterScarcity@sepa.org.uk
More information on water scarcity can be found here . Those concerned about private water supply levels should contact Highland Council.
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