As some parts of Scotland are already recording low river levels and dry ground conditions, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued a warning to businesses abstracting water from the environment to plan for possible shortages this summer.

In SEPA's first water scarcity report of 2023, parts of western, central and northern Scotland have reached Early Warning level for water scarcity.

SEPA has said that this is a result of mixed conditions over the last six months, with winter drier than average across most of the country.

Issuing the warning, Nathan Critchlow-Watton, Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, said: "Given the mixed weather we've experienced in autumn and winter, and the fact that some parts are already at Early Warning level, what happens next will shape the risk of water scarcity this summer. We can't rule out a repeat of the water shortages businesses experienced last year.

-- Advertisement --

"It's vital that water abstractors licensed by SEPA have a plan to deal with water scarcity and we can help by providing advice and guidance on ways to reduce pressure on the water environment. Taking the right steps now will lower the likelihood of resources reaching a critical level again this summer and SEPA having to suspend licences to protect the water environment."

Environmental Resources Policy Manager at NFUS, Sarah Cowie, added: "Water is a vital resource for the agricultural sector, we cannot produce food without a consistent and plentiful water supply. Last year, SEPA suspended abstraction licences for some growers for the first time. This stark response to a prolonged period of dry weather highlights the impacts of a changing climate and the pressures it can bring on farm businesses. 

"NFUS encourages all farmers and growers to think about water use on farm as early as possible, to plan for the coming summer season. This will ensure businesses can remain resilient at all times of the year."

SEPA"s key advice ahead of summer includes:

• All water abstractors should be aware of the potential risk of water scarcity this summer, monitor their water use, and plan ahead for a range of weather conditions

• Businesses should review available options to increase their resilience and reduce the impacts of water scarcity. For example, land managers could consider investing in equipment and infrastructure to improve water-use efficiency such as an irrigation lagoon

• Those collecting water from the same source are urged to work together with neighbours and stagger abstractions to make best use of available water

Further advice and support is available at www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity.