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SEPA’s first Water Scarcity Report for summer 2025 shows alerts for parts of northern Scotland

Date published: 25 April 2025

Water

The first Water Scarcity Report of 2025 published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency already identifies two regions at “Alert” level for potential shortages, while the majority of the country remains at “Early Warning” underscoring the need for vigilance across Scotland.

With the forecasts showing little rain over the coming days and with low river levels in the Shin and Naver catchments, due to the below average rainfall since the beginning of the year, these areas have been raised to Alert. 

Each week throughout the summer months, SEPA issues its Water Scarcity Report, offering critical insight into Scotland’s water resource outlook. The weekly update equips key industries, such as agriculture, tourism and the food and drink sector, with early warnings of potential shortages, allowing licensed businesses to plan and adjust operations in response to changing conditions. 

SEPA’s weekly report examines recent rainfall totals, river flow rates, soil moisture deficits and loch and groundwater levels. Regions are then classified using a five-level scale, from “Normal Conditions” through to “Significant Scarcity”, reflecting not only current hydrological data but also local water usage patterns, key economic activities and short-term weather forecasts. 

Managing water scarcity

The summer months are a crucial time of year for water demand. Abstractors and irrigators are advised to manage water wisely to minimise the need for restrictions and make best use of what water is available: 

  • Check our regular water scarcity reports so 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 
  • Work with neighbours to minimise and stagger abstractions to make best use of available water 
  • Review your contingency plan to understand what measures you can take to minimise the impacts of water scarcity. 

Claire Tunaley, SEPA’s Senior Hydrology Specialist, commented: 

“It might be tempting to assume that Scotland has more wet weather than the rest of the UK which would eliminate any risk of shortages, but we have seen a below-average amount of rainfall over the winter period for many areas. Whilst most of the country sits at Early Warning status, this can shift rapidly if this spring and summer continue to be drier than usual. We know that the demand for water peaks as we move in to summer, so it’s vital that all abstractors and water users stay informed and work together to safeguard our water resources.” 

Notes to Editor

Find the latest weekly Water Scarcity Report on SEPA’s Water Scarcity page. 

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

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