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Parts of eastern Scotland have seen improvement in water resources over winter following the 2025 drought, but some areas could still face water scarcity later this year if spring rainfall is lower than normal.

SEPA is encouraging abstractors who take water from Scotland’s rivers, lochs and groundwater for activities such as irrigation and industrial processes to review equipment, contingency plans and water efficiency measures following continued dry weather across parts of Scotland.

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

Risk of water scarcity across the east of Scotland remains as dry conditions continue.

Abstractors are being urged to plan ahead as the risk of water scarcity across the east of Scotland remains.

The River Lossie has today been raised to Significant water scarcity following prolonged dry conditions and exceptionally low river flows. Temporary restrictions have now been issued on some licences to abstract water from the environment, to help protect river flows and the wildlife that depend on them.