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First Scottish water scarcity restrictions of 2025

The Ythan and North Fife catchments have reached Significant Scarcity, the highest level of water scarcity. To protect the sustainability of local rivers, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have restricted the amount of water that can be taken from the environment in these areas. 

SEPA are writing directly to every affected licence holder to inform them of the restrictions now in place and when they come into force. Restrictions will be temporary and will be lifted as soon as conditions allow, but they are essential to safeguard the environment, wildlife and communities that depend on healthy rivers. 

The restrictions follow months of worsening conditions. Rainfall data shows every month of 2025 has been drier than average on Scotland's east coast. In some areas the deficit stretches back to June 2024, with around 40% less rainfall than the long-term average. This prolonged shortfall, combined with a warm, sunny spring and summer, has left rivers, soils and groundwater under pressure. 

SEPA have been communicating directly with abstractors since mid-May and expect all licence holders to follow advice and guidance for their area.  

Other catchments are already under sustained stress. The Deveron, Don, Esk (Angus), Firth of Tay and Tyne (Lothian) have been at Moderate Scarcity for an extended period, while the Spey, Almond and Tweed catchments were escalated to Moderate Scarcity last week. Licence holders in these areas are being advised to manage abstractions carefully. 

Without a period of consistent rainfall, further catchments, including the Deveron and Don, could escalate to Significant Scarcity in the coming days. 

There remains uncertainty over the influence of the remnants of ex-Hurricane Erin later this week and SEPA will continue to monitor conditions closely. 

Chris Dailly, SEPA’s Head of Environmental Performance (Geographic), said: 

“The water environment in parts of Scotland is clearly under stress and protecting it remains a top priority. We recognise the challenges that farmers and other businesses face, but no one should be caught off guard - we've been speaking directly to licence holders across the summer. If you abstract water you should already have plans in place to reduce volumes, stagger abstractions and follow the conditions of your licence.” 

SEPA continues to monitor and report weekly on river and groundwater levels. More information, guidance and advice can be found on SEPA's water scarcity page. 

Notes to Editors

SEPA media release from Thursday 21st August - SEPA warn of possible water abstraction restrictions in the east early next week

Water scarcity levels

• Early Warning: Conditions are drying. No action required, but abstractors should start preparing. 
• Alert: Water levels are falling. SEPA advises voluntary reductions in non-essential water use for abstractors. 
• Moderate Scarcity: Environmental impact is clear. Action from abstractors is expected to protect rivers and the species that rely on them. 
• Significant Scarcity: Critical river levels. Restrictions on abstraction licences may be imposed. 

Data sources

• SEPA Water Scarcity situation report - 21st August 2025
• SEPA’s river level network - Find Scottish water levels information
• Rainfall data for Scotland - Scottish Rainfall Data
• DRAT - Water scarcity data - provided by Scottish Environment Protection Agency

DRAT stations and Significant Scarcity

Significant scarcity is reached when river flows have been very low for 30 or more days. We use a tool called the Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT) to set significant scarcity level. 

DRAT is a network of flow gauging stations that SEPA monitor across Scotland and are used to set significant water scarcity when flows have been low for a sustained period of time. 

Data has been collected at these stations for a long period of time, so this allows us to give context to what is currently happening with the amount of flow in rivers relative to what you would normally expect. 

The river flow stations are each used as a representation of the conditions over an area, called a significant water scarcity area. The area and representative gauging stations are displayed on the tool.

Further support and useful links

The National Water Scarcity Plan explains how water resources will be managed prior to and during periods of prolonged dry weather. This is to ensure the correct balance is struck between protecting the environment and providing resource for human and economic activity.

Report dry private water supplies and rivers and burns in your area to help SEPA assess water scarcity stress.

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. Find further advice for abstractors and irrigators on our website.