Rain but not recovery – water scarcity concern remains for much of Scotland
Date published: 29 May 2025
Following rainfall at the beginning of the week, some parts of Scotland have seen temporary improvements in water conditions. However, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is warning that parts of the country, particularly in the east, remain under pressure.
Most of the East Coast from Moray and Aberdeenshire down to the Borders remains at Moderate Scarcity.
The rain has improved ground conditions and permitted widespread recovery in the west. In the south-west, the river catchments of the Almond, Annan, Nith, Dee (Galloway) and Cree have recovered from Moderate Scarcity to Alert. It has also caused a similar recovery in the Almond catchment further east.
To the north, the Leven (Dunbartonshire), Loch Fyne, the Argyll coast, Loch Linnhe, the Lochy (Invernessshire), Loch Shiel, Loch Alsh and Loch Maree have all recovered and are now in Early Warning alongside the Inner and Outer Hebrides. The Awe and Etive area has recovered from Alert to Normal Conditions, due to the heaviest rain falling here.
The rest of Scotland remains at Alert.
Scotland experienced a drier than average autumn, winter and spring, leaving many rivers and aquifers struggling to recharge. Even with recent rain, groundwater remains low in many places.
The UK Climate Projections 2018 (UKCP18) forecast we would see hotter drier summers, heavier but more unpredictable rainfall and growing pressure on water resources. This is part of a long-term shift, and Scotland is already seeing the changes the climate models predicted.
Kenny Boag, Head of Environmental Performance (National) from SEPA said:
“We've had rain in some areas but not widespread recovery. There has been some relief in parts of the West, for many river catchments the long-term deficit remains. It’s a complex picture, and while we welcome signs of recovery in some areas, most of the East Coast continues to experience water stress. Many catchments remain under significant pressure and the water environment is still in a vulnerable state. More rain is forecast over the next few days, but we need sustained rainfall in the right places over weeks, not just days, to make a real difference.
“SEPA continue to work closely with abstractors and sectors using water from our environment in the areas facing sustained water scarcity. Clear, early communication is being provided so no one is caught off guard. We know how important water is to the Scottish economy, particularly sectors like farming, food and drink, and energy - but we also know that without a healthy water environment those sectors cannot thrive.
“Balancing economic and environmental needs is at the heart of our role as a regulator. If restrictions are put in place, they will be proportionate and in place for a short time as possible. But we will act where necessary to protect the water environment because it underpins Scotland's economy, communities and way of life.”
SEPA continues to urge everyone from farmers and producers to industry and manufacturers to continue using water efficiently and manage this shared resource responsibly. Advice is available on SEPA’s website, as well as from SEPA staff contacting abstractors with licences in areas at risk.
- In Early Warning areas conditions are dry but no action is currently required. Abstractors should begin preparing for potential action.
- In Alert areas water levels are low. SEPA advises voluntary reductions in non-essential water use.
- In Moderate Scarcity areas there are clear environmental impacts. Action is expected from abstractors to protect rivers and the species that rely on them.
Notes to Editors
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.
Time stamps for answers to the following questions:
- 00.00 - 00.05 Name and job title
- 00.05 - 01.02 Has the recent and forecast rain improved the water scarcity situation?
- 01.02 - 02.03 How long will recovery for all of Scotland take?
- 02.03 - 02.44 What does this mean for potential restrictions from SEPA?
- 02.44 - 03.15 Will SEPA keep reporting on the water scarcity situation?
More data
- Water scarcity situation report - 29th May 2025
- SEPA’s river level network - Find Scottish water levels information
- Rainfall data for Scotland - Scottish Rainfall Data
- UK Climate Predictions - UKCP headline findings - Met Office
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 and for temporary abstractions (water scarcity)
- Information on applying for new permanent abstractions