Water levels return to normal across most of Scotland
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Businesses abstracting water from the environment are being urged not to get complacent as river and ground water levels return to normal across much of Scotland.
The latest water scarcity report, published today by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), reveals most of the country has now recovered to Normal Conditions or Early Warning.
This is in stark contrast to just three weeks ago when five areas of Scotland had reached Significant, the highest level available, following a period of prolonged dry weather.
Following an uncharacteristically dry first part of summer, recent rainfall has resulted in continued recovery across Scotland.
However, another dry spell may quickly lead to a deterioration in the water scarcity situation, especially in the north-east, Fife and East Lothian, where soil moisture remains dry.
Widespread recent improvement in river flows and ground conditions due to recent rainfall has resulted in many areas across Scotland experiencing some recovery in their water scarcity level, particularly in the west, the south, and the northern highlands.
In the east and north-east, river flows and ground conditions have seen less recovery and remain drier, with many areas remaining at Alert.
Further recovery in the north and west has resulted in more areas in these regions improving to Normal conditions.
Chris Dailly, Head of Environmental Performance - Geographic at SEPA, said: “Last month was challenging for those businesses reliant on water from the environment. We very much welcome this turnaround in conditions and much needed revival of river levels.
“It’s served as a reminder of the vital role water plays in many industries in Scotland and the crucial part businesses play in ensuring the sustainability of local water environments.
“As climate change exacerbates water scarcity, it’s imperative that water abstractors understand the impact of their usage and step up their efforts to manage this now and longer-term.”
Further rain is forecast across the southern half of the country this weekend, which may lead to continued recovery in some areas.
However, river flows and ground conditions have seen less recovery and are drier in the north-east, Fife and East Lothian, which remain in Alert level. Another dry spell may quickly lead to a deterioration in the water scarcity situation in these areas.
