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SEPA urge businesses to prepare now for potential water scarcity in 2026

SEPA’s Autumn Water Situation Report shows that the east of Scotland enters winter with substantial rainfall deficits, following the driest hydrological year in this region since 1976, below-average rainfall in nine of the past eleven months, and record-breaking temperatures earlier this year. Groundwater levels in parts of Fife, Angus and Aberdeenshire remain the lowest November levels on record.

Winter is the critical period for recovery. Sustained rainfall over the coming months is essential to restore river flows and groundwater ahead of spring and summer, when pressures typically increase. If rainfall is average or below average this winter, parts of eastern Scotland could face more severe water scarcity next year than in 2026.

Planning now to reduce impacts next summer

SEPA are encouraging farmers, distillers, food and drink producers, leisure operators, golf courses and other abstractors to consider over the winter how their operations would be affected by another dry year and to plan accordingly. For many agricultural businesses, this includes reviewing cropping choices, land use and irrigation strategies in light of the pressures experienced this summer, as well as ensuring equipment and systems are operating efficiently ahead of the 2026 season.

For other sectors, winter provides the opportunity to assess contingency arrangements and consider where improvements to water efficiency can be made. This may involve evaluating how water is used across sites, identifying where processes can be adapted during periods of reduced availability, and developing operational plans that provide greater flexibility should restrictions be required next year.

SEPA are continuing their programme of engagement with abstractors throughout the winter to support this preparation. This includes setting out clearly how abstraction will be managed during future significant scarcity and progressing variations to agricultural abstraction licences to give businesses early certainty on the conditions that will apply during drier periods.

Early planning has already proven effective. Strong cooperation from farmers, industry, the Scotch Whisky Association, Scottish Water, Scottish Golf and the wider food, drink and leisure sectors helped reduce environmental impacts during the periods of lowest river flow in 2025. High levels of compliance throughout the season played an important role in protecting the water environment.

Rachel Harding-Hill, SEPA’s Head of Environmental Resilience and Enhancement, said:

“Eastern Scotland enters this winter with a significant rainfall deficit. If we do not see above-average rainfall over the coming months, parts of the east could face even more severe water scarcity next year than we experienced this summer.

“Winter is the time when businesses can make the decisions that will help them manage another dry year. Reviewing water use, considering cropping choices, looking at efficiency and contingency options, and understanding how abstraction conditions will apply in 2026 are all actions that will make a real difference if Scotland experiences prolonged low flows again.

“The cooperation we saw across sectors this summer was extremely important, and we are grateful for the responsible approach businesses took. As our climate continues to change, building resilience early is essential to protect Scotland’s environment, economy and communities.”

Next steps

SEPA will publish a winter report in early March 2026, providing an assessment of conditions ahead of the spring and summer period.

Notes to editors

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. 

All water abstractors should be aware of the risk of water scarcity, monitor their water use, and plan ahead for a range of weather conditions. Find further advice for abstractors and irrigators on our website.