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Water scarcity intensifies across eastern Scotland as several areas approach critical thresholds

SEPA’s weekly Water Scarcity Report shows that eight river catchments remain at Moderate Scarcity – the Spey, Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Dee (Aberdeen), Esk, Firth of Tay and Tyne (Lothian). The Findhorn, Firth of Forth and Helmsdale catchments are at Alert.

Monitoring stations at the following locations are nearing the Significant Scarcity threshold:

• Minmore – River Livet (Lower Speyside) lowest spring flows in 40-year record
• Alford and Houghton – River Don (Aberdeen) lowest spring flows in 50-year record
• Heughhead – River Feugh (Lower Dee, Aberdeenshire) lowest spring flows in 40-year record
• Logie Mill – North Esk (Angus) (lowest spring flows in 50-year record)
• Balmossie – Dighty Water (Tayside) lowest spring flows since 1973
• Kemback – River Eden (North Fife) lowest spring flows since 1973

These catchments have been under pressure for some time. Several have been at Moderate Scarcity for weeks. Rain is expected over the next few days affecting west, central and southern Scotland but north east areas remain largely dry.

SEPA’s Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT) uses current river flow data from hundreds of sites across Scotland. This science-led approach is used to track environmental conditions and help prevent lasting harm to rivers, lochs and the ecosystems that depend on them. 

If conditions do not improve and these areas move to Significant Scarcity, SEPA expect to take action early next week. Measures may include limiting or temporarily suspending abstractions where necessary. These decisions will be based on sound science and environmental monitoring, including recognised hydrological low-flow thresholds based on river flow records that span decades. Restrictions will only be in place for the shortest time possible.

SEPA have been in regular contact with licence holders throughout this period and have been working closely with partners including NFUS, Scotch Whisky Association, Scottish Golf and others. 

Chris Dailly, SEPA’s Head of Environmental Performance (Geographic), said:

“These rivers are approaching critical environmental thresholds following months of sustained low rainfall. Autumn 2024 was one of the driest in 100 years, followed by a dry spring – the second driest in a century for the east. Many catchments in eastern Scotland are seeing their lowest river flows for decades, with some stations recording record or near-record lows for spring and early summer.

“Those who take water from our rivers and lochs have a key role in protecting our environment, and most take that role seriously. Farmers, land managers, food and drink manufacturers and other businesses across the country have been making a real effort. Many distilleries have brought forward summer shutdowns. Irrigators are already adjusting practices. We see that and we value it. But if restrictions are needed they must be implemented and they must be respected. 

“This is about protecting rivers and lochs for the long term, ensuring the environment and the businesses that depend on it can thrive. We do not take these decisions lightly. Restrictions will only apply where they are absolutely necessary, and for the shortest possible time. But the evidence is clear, the pressure on the environment is too great in some areas.”

If restrictions are required licence holders will receive written communication from SEPA next week detailing what is required of them.

Water scarcity levels

• Significant Scarcity: Critical river levels. Restrictions on abstraction licences may be imposed.
• Moderate Scarcity: Environmental impact is clear. Action from abstractors is expected to protect rivers and the species that rely on them.
• Alert: Water levels are falling. SEPA advises voluntary reductions in non-essential water use for abstractors.
• Early Warning: Conditions are drying. No action required, but abstractors should start preparing.

Facts and figures

The current situation reflects months of sustained low rainfall.

• Autumn 2024 was the fifth driest in 100 years, based on Met Office data.
• Winter 2024/2025 also saw below-average rainfall across much of Scotland.
• By spring 2025, the east of Scotland had recorded its second driest spring in a century, and the first half of the year was the driest since 1973 in some areas.
• By mid-May, some catchments in the east had experienced 11 consecutive months of below-average rainfall.

• • River flows on the Don were the second lowest in a 94-year record, with only 1938 lower.
  • The Lower Spey reached its lowest seasonal flow since records began in 1952.
• Parts of Fife and Angus recorded their lowest groundwater levels ever for May and June, including:

• • Newton of Falkland (Fife) borehole – second lowest level in 28 years
  • Murton (Angus) borehole – lowest June level in its 18-year record

Across the east, many river flow stations recorded their highest number of low-flow days in the first half of the year, with some datasets spanning nearly a century.

Working together – efficiency remains vital

SEPA have been working closely with abstractors for months and many have taken early action to reduce demand and prepare for dry conditions.

SEPA urge all licensed abstractors to continue:

• Checking equipment for leaks
• Avoiding irrigation during the hottest part of the day to minimise evaporation
• Staggering abstractions with neighbours to reduce pressure on local watercourses
• Reviewing operations to identify further water savings
• Ensure you are meeting the requirements of your abstraction licences, including for low flows. 

Ongoing monitoring and support

Weekly Water Scarcity Reports are published every Thursday. SEPA continue to provide updates, advice and direct support to all sectors at risk from current conditions.

 

Notes to Editors

A pre-recorded interview with Chris Dailly is available for the media to download for use from SEPA's Assetbank. Only the first 20 seconds will be available to listen to until you download the file. 

You do not have to register to download.Timestamps for answers to specific questions are as follows:

00.00 - 00.03 Name and job title
00.03 - 00.26 We're hearing more about water scarcity in Scotland - what is the situation right now?
00.27 - 00.48 What impact is this having on the environment?
00.49 - 01.16 You say you may need to impose restrictions next week, will these be a surprise to farmers and other abstractors or are they already aware?
01.17 - 01.42 There is some rain in the forecast, could this stop the need for restrictions?
01.43 - 2.03 We know SEPA is talking to abstractors, but is there anything the public can do to help?

Data sources

• Water scarcity situation report - 17th July 2025
• SEPA’s river level network - Find Scottish water levels information
• Rainfall data for Scotland - Scottish Rainfall Data
• DRAT - Water scarcity data - provided by Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Significant Scarcity

Significant scarcity is reached when river flows have been very low for 30 or more days. We use a tool called the Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT) to set significant scarcity level. 

DRAT is a network of flow gauging stations that SEPA monitor across Scotland and are used to set significant water scarcity when flows have been low for a sustained period of time. 

Data has been collected at these stations for a long period of time, so this allows us to give context to what is currently happening with the amount of flow in rivers relative to what you would normally expect. 
The river flow stations are each used as a representation of the conditions over an area, called a significant water scarcity area. The area and representative gauging stations are displayed on the tool.

Further support and useful links

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.