Water scarcity warning for parts of Highlands
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Parched conditions around Loch Maree in Wester Ross have prompted the highest water scarcity risk alert for the Highlands this year.
Warm, dry weather has led to low river flows into the Wester Ross loch, with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issuing an ‘alert’ level warning for the first time in 2023.
The agency is asking businesses that abstract water from natural sources to give thought to measures to reduce the volume used or to consider an alternative source.
Risk of water scarcity is officially categorised in four levels – early warning, alert, moderate scarcity and significant scarcity.
Much of the northern Highlands is already in the early warning stage, along with parts of southern and central Scotland and the Western Isles.
SEPA’s head of water and planning Nathan Critchlow-Watton said: “With very little to no rainfall forecast across Scotland in the coming days, we expect ground conditions to continue getting drier and river flows to decrease or remain low.
“The next few weeks and months are a crucial time of year for water demand and we’re urging abstractors to manage water wisely, minimising the need for restrictions to be imposed by SEPA.”
The agency says that with Scotland’s climate changing, across the seasons businesses are experiencing the impacts of more frequent extreme weather events like water scarcity.
The number of serious drought events is projected to increase from an average of one every 20 years, to one every two years in the near future.
Mr Critchlow-Watton added: “We all have a role to play in managing our water environment, this summer and beyond.
“Through the efficient use of water, businesses can increase their resilience to the impacts of prolonged dry conditions and save money.”
Industries across Scotland rely on natural water resources, including food and drink production, hydropower or maintenance of golf courses.
SEPA is reminding water abstractors they should be aware of the potential risk of water scarcity, monitor their water use, and plan ahead.
The agency says businesses should review available options to increase their resilience and reduce the impacts of water scarcity.
Land managers could consider investing in equipment and infrastructure to improve efficiency, such as an irrigation lagoon, the agency suggested.
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 SEPA's site here.
