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Scotland faces increased risk of water scarcity this summer

Despite intermittent wet spells, most of the country has recorded below-average rainfall over winter following a particularly dry autumn. With December and the start of January experiencing brief periods of heavy rain and flooding from Storm Darragh and Storm Éowyn, this was quickly followed by a drier than usual rest of January and February.

The Met Office have reported that rainfall in the far north of Scotland was exceptionally low during February, with Orkney receiving just 34% of its typical rainfall, Sutherland 37% and Shetland just 40%.

The lack of rainfall seen during the winter period poses potential challenges for Scotland’s water resources with the coming spring and summer now relying on an above average rainfall to replenish the low groundwater levels. Groundwater levels are key indicators of Scotland's water reserves, replenishing through winter rainfall but often depleting during summer when demand for water increases.

Without above average rainfall over spring and summer there is a greater risk of water scarcity, particularly in areas that are already experiencing low groundwater levels. Continued drier weather can disrupt agricultural activities, strain local water supplies and impact industries that depend on consistent water availability. Prolonged water scarcity can also impact local ecosystems, lowering water quality and place additional pressure on native flora and fauna. 

Claire Tunaley, Senior Hydrologist – Water Resources Unit, SEPA said:

“While some people may be surprised, given the heavy rain and flooding we saw over Hogmanay, the broader picture is one of persistent dryness with many areas seeing below average rainfall over the past several months. Groundwater levels are normal to low for the time of year, with particularly low values recorded in Fife, Angus and Dumfries. In Fife the groundwater levels recorded are similar to, or even lower than, those seen in February 2022 – a year that saw drought conditions that summer. 

“As part of our commitment to helping Scotland become more climate resilient, we’ll continue to monitor the situation closely. Seasonal reporting will begin in May, providing weekly updates on conditions to ensure businesses can prepare for any potential challenges ahead.”
In light of these challenges, SEPA urges all those individuals and businesses who are licensed to extract water from a surface or underground water source to take steps now to enhance their water resilience and to mitigate the impact of extended dry conditions and safeguard Scotland’s water.

Advice for licensed water abstractors

• Check SEPA’s website and regular water scarcity reports to you are aware of the water situation in your area
• Regularly check your abstraction equipment to make sure it’s in good condition and fix any leaks straight away
• Where possible reduce the volume and rate of your abstractions
• Have contingency plans if suspensions are put in place.

Report water scarcity in your area

During prolonged periods of drier weather, you can report issues of water scarcity to SEPA at lowflowimpacts@sepa.org.uk

•    Dry private water supplies (eg wells and springs)
•    Rivers with isolated pools separated by stretches that are dry or have only a trickle of water
•    Distressed or dead fish or invertebrates
•    Large numbers of dead plants on parts of the riverbed that are rarely exposed 
•    A lot of exposed algae over 100s of metres, combined with very low flows

Notes to Editors

View the latest water scarcity report.

Advice ahead of this summer

• All licensed 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.
• Businesses should review available options to increase their resilience and reduce the impacts of water scarcity. For example, land managers could consider investing in equipment and infrastructure to improve water-use efficiency such as an irrigation lagoon.
• Those collecting water from the same source are urged to work together with neighbours and stagger abstractions to make best use of available water.

Find further advice and support on the water scarcity page.

Water scarcity

• 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.
• During water scarcity conditions, SEPA publish a weekly report categorising the water situation across Scotland through a five-tiered approach.

Find out more about Scotland's National Water Scarcity Plan.