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Applications for new temporary abstractions

Where the water scarcity is prolonged, the catchment will likely be under environmental stress so there won’t be as much water resource available for abstraction. Where possible though, SEPA will consider an application for a temporary abstraction for the remainder of the current year.

Any new abstractions will be limited based on the current level of stress and a proportion of the available flow.

Under no circumstance can the abstraction be supported by unauthorised impounding of the watercourse or carrying out unauthorised engineering of the bed or banks.

Application forms for a new abstraction should be completed by any operator wishing to apply for a temporary abstraction. The application should be marked ‘Water Scarcity’ and the following criteria must be met for the application to be granted:

• Daily abstraction volumes must be recorded and reported to SEPA no later than 31 December using the ‘Data returns Form’.

• A meter must be installed and operating before abstraction can commence.

• The method of abstraction must not involve impounding the watercourse or digging a sump in the watercourse.

Groundwater specific eligibility criteria:

• The borehole must be more than 250m from any surface water or wetland.

• The borehole must be more than 400m from any other abstraction (including private drinking water supplies)

• The borehole must be less than 200m deep.

• A meter must be installed and operating before abstraction can commence.