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Water scarcity still impacting eastern Scotland as long-term rain and snow deficits take their toll

Some areas have seen recent rainfall, but it has not been enough to recover from long term shortages, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are warning restrictions on licences to abstract water from the environment may soon be necessary in some catchments if conditions continued to deteriorate. 

The latest Weekly Water Scarcity report published by SEPA shows that much of eastern Scotland remains in Moderate Scarcity, with low groundwater levels and prolonged dry conditions continuing to limit recovery. 

The first half of 2025 has been the driest in the east since 1973 and much of the east has now been at Moderate Scarcity for nearly eight weeks, since mid-May. Intermittent rainfall in recent weeks has not been enough to enable recovery, above average rainfall is still required to bring conditions back to normal in affected catchments. 

This year's water scarcity isn't just about recent dry weather. It's the result of a drier than normal winter with reduced snow accumulation and low groundwater recharge. In upland areas of the eastern Grampians and the north east of Scotland, many rivers typically benefit from a steady release of snow melt through spring and early summer. This year that natural recharge didn't occur.  

Combined with dry autumn and winter conditions the result is some of the lowest groundwater levels on record in parts of Fife and Angus.  

SEPA is urging businesses with licences to take water from the environment, especially in affected areas, to continue to reduce pressure and protect access to water resources.  

Moderate Scarcity 

• Spey
• Deveron
• Ythan
• Don (Aberdeenshire)
• Dee (Aberdeen)
• Esk
• Firth of Tay
• Tyne (Lothian) 

Alert

• Findhorn  
• Firth of Forth
• Almond 

Earlier this summer, SEPA came close to introducing abstraction restrictions in parts of northern Scotland as certain river levels remained critically low for an extended period. However, timely rainfall brought short term relief and, thanks to near real time monitoring from a network of Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT) stations, SEPA was able to ensure restrictions were not imposed unnecessarily.  

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA’s Senior Manager in Water Industry and Rural Economy, said:   

“SEPA’s decisions are guided by science and data, and our DRAT station monitoring plays a critical role in our ability to respond quickly fairly and proportionately. We’ve seen how abstractors have responded to the challenge of water scarcity this year and took early action to reduce pressure. However, the risk of required restrictions is not over.  

“It won't take a heat wave to tip rivers into crisis. Sustained low flows and dry soils are already putting pressure on businesses and the environment. We're asking all abstractors to stay aware of conditions and check the local direct station data regularly especially in the east where pressure is building. SEPA is already in touch with those at highest risk of restrictions, but if you have any questions please get in touch.”

Restrictions will only be introduced if absolutely necessary, in line with clear thresholds. Voluntary action now can help avoid them, protecting both water access and the environment through the summer. SEPA continues to urge everyone from farmers and producers to industry and manufacturers to use 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. 
 

• Moderate Scarcity areas – there are clear environmental impacts. Action is expected from abstractors to protect rivers and the species that rely on them. 
• Alert areas – water levels are low. SEPA advises voluntary reductions in non-essential water use.
• Early Warning areas – conditions are dry, but no action is currently required. Abstractors should begin preparing for potential action. 

Notes to Editors

Q95 is a recognised benchmark in hydrology, which is used as a low flow threshold. It’s calculated by looking at a catchment’s 30-year dataset from 1991 to 2020 and looking at the lowest 5% of flows in that time frame. 

Data sources

• Water scarcity situation report - 10th 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

 

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.