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Half of Scotland’s river catchments now at Alert for water scarcity

The latest water situation report, published today (8th May 2025) by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) reflects the persistent dry conditions and reduced river flows across many parts of the country. 

The risk of water scarcity is categorised in four levels - Early Warning, Alert, Moderate Scarcity and Significant Scarcity.

The river catchments of the Nith, Dee (Galloway), Cree, Doon, Irvine and Ayr and the Clyde have been raised to Alert this week, bringing the total to 23. Scotland’s 23 other catchments are all at Early Warning leaving only the Inner Hebrides classed as normal. 

SEPA began warning of a greater risk of water scarcity at the beginning of March, after below-average rainfall over winter following a particularly dry autumn. 

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA’s Senior Manager in Water Industry and Rural Economy, said:

“With 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.

“We have been warning since the start of Spring that continued drier weather could disrupt agricultural activities, strain local water supplies and impact industries that depend on consistent water availability. Prolonged water scarcity can also impact local ecosystems, lower water quality and place additional pressure on native flora and fauna. 

“Several industries across Scotland rely on natural water resources, whether it’s for food and drink production, hydropower or maintaining world famous golf courses. The next few weeks and months are a crucial time of year for water demand and those who take water from our environment must manage it wisely, minimising the need for restrictions to be imposed by SEPA.”

SEPA are working with key partners, including NFUS, to share messaging and offer practical advice to those affected. Direct communications are underway with abstractors in catchments at Alert level, reminding them of the need to plan ahead, use water efficiently, and consider voluntary reductions where possible.

The public, land managers and water users are also being asked to share images and observations of local rivers and burns to help build a fuller picture of conditions across the country.

Eilidh Johnston added

“We have monitoring points across Scotland, but local eyes and ears are invaluable and help us better understand how the information our gauges are providing matches up with conditions on the ground. Photos of dry riverbeds, low flows, or impacted habitats help us assess the scale of pressure in places we can’t reach every day.”

Include the name of the river or burn, the location (a grid reference is helpful but anything to point to a location is beneficial) and a description of the signs of water scarcity stress

Photographs can be submitted to SEPA by email. If you would like your image to be credited for use in communications about water scarcity, please state the credit information in your submission. Alternatively, let SEPA know if you do not want the photograph used for any other purpose than to assess water scarcity.

Notes to Editor

A pre-recorded audio clip with Peter Wright, SEPA Unit Manager in Water Industry and Rural Economy, is available to download and use for broadcast. You do not have to be registered to download, but you can only listen to the first 20 seconds of audio until you do.

River catchments at Alert 

Nith, Dee (Galloway), Cree, Doon, Irvine and Ayr, Clyde, Shin, Naver, Conon, Spey, Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Dee (Aberdeenshire), Esk, Firth of Tay, Firth of Forth, Almond, Tyne (Lothian), Tweed, Esk (Dumfriesshire), Annan and Thurso. 

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.

Further support and useful links

• In the National Water Scarcity Plan we set out how we will work with water users (authorised abstractors and recreational users) and key organisations, such as Scottish Water, to manage water resources during periods of low rainfall
• View Significant water scarcity guidance which sets out how we will apply Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan (NWSP) in relation to authorised abstractions within catchments determined as being at Significant water scarcity
• Find information on water efficiency measures at Farm Advisory Service, UK Irrigation Association, Farming & Water Scotland and NetRegs
• View application forms page to apply to switch from river abstraction to groundwater abstraction (water scarcity)
• View application forms page to apply for temporary abstractions (water scarcity)
• Information on applying for new permanent abstractions

Further support and useful links

• In the National Water Scarcity Plan we set out how we will work with water users (authorised abstractors and recreational users) and key organisations, such as Scottish Water, to manage water resources during periods of low rainfall
• View Significant water scarcity guidance which sets out how we will apply Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan (NWSP) in relation to authorised abstractions within catchments determined as being at Significant water scarcity
• Find information on water efficiency measures at Farm Advisory Service, UK Irrigation Association, Farming & Water Scotland and NetRegs
• View application forms page to apply to switch from river abstraction to groundwater abstraction (water scarcity)
• View application forms page to apply for temporary abstractions (water scarcity)
• Information on applying for new permanent abstractions