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SEPA encourages abstractors to plan ahead following dry conditions

Date published: 28 May 2026

Water

Warm and dry weather across Scotland has affected river flows and ground conditions in some parts of the country.

The latest weekly water scarcity report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows the Deveron, Firth of Tay, Firth of Forth and Tyne (Lothian) catchments have now joined the Ythan at Alert level, while a number of other areas are now at Early Warning. 

SEPA publishes weekly water scarcity reports throughout the summer to provide abstractors with up-to-date information on conditions across the country. Reporting is designed to provide advance notice of developing conditions to support sustainable water use and help users plan ahead. 

  • Early Warning means conditions are becoming drier. No action is required at this stage, but abstractors are encouraged to prepare and review water use. 
  • Alert means river water levels are falling and SEPA advises voluntary reductions in non-essential water use by abstractors.

Recent rainfall has been mixed across the country, with conditions varying between normal and dry for this time of year. However, spring conditions were very dry across much of the east coast. 

River flows are generally low to very low for the time of year, while ground conditions remain dry in parts of the east. Groundwater levels are largely normal across much of the country, although some monitoring location in Fife and Angus are showing variable levels. 

Some rainfall is forecast over the weekend, and SEPA continues to monitor conditions closely through its national water scarcity reporting. 

SEPA’s drought risk assessment tool provides up-to-date local information on river flows and potential water scarcity risk to help abstractors monitor conditions and support planning ahead. 

Water scarcity reporting relates to environmental conditions and licensed abstractions from rivers and other water bodies. 

Stephen McGuire, Senior Hydrologist in SEPA’s Water Resources Unit, said: 

“Recent weather conditions mean several areas have now moved into Alert status, while a number of other areas remain at Early Warning. 

“While rain is forecast over the weekend, conditions remain drier than normal across several eastern catchments and river flows are lower than would normally be expected for this time of year. 

“SEPA’s water scarcity reporting provides abstractors and other water users with advance notice of changing conditions so they can review water use, check equipment is operating effectively and plan ahead if needed. 

“We would encourage abstractors to make use of SEPA’s drought risk assessment tools and guidance to help understand local conditions and support sustainable water use during dry periods.” 

Further information on water scarcity levels, guidance and weekly reports is available on SEPA’s website.

Notes to editors

Water scarcity levels

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

Data sources

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.