FAQs for the public

Scotland has the highest variability of rainfall of any region in the UK, ranging from 3000mm per year in the western Highlands to under 800mm per year near the east coast. Rain doesn’t always fall in the right place at the right time. Whilst some areas may be getting more than average rainfall, other areas could be in a water scarcity situation. It can also take a considerable time for rainfall to replenish water stores following a prolonged dry period so the risk of water scarcity remains in place.

Very dry ground can act like concrete, which means rain quickly runs off without soaking in. This increases the risk of surface water flooding, especially if the rain is heavy. The water scarcity and flooding webpage has more information on this. 

A prolonged period of rainfall is required to allow water stores to recover after extended dry periods. The exact duration and volume of rainfall required is dependent on how severe the event was and where in the country it occurs. Recovery can be slow and typically requires much more rainfall than you would expect to avoid going back into drought conditions.

The water scarcity level is based on multiple factors across a catchment, to give a combined level for the catchment. There can be some variation in the observed water scarcity across a catchment and localised impacts can be missed. 

   
By reporting the impact of dry weather to SEPA via email to lowflowimpacts@sepa.org.uk  it will help us better assess water scarcity stress in your area. More details of what information to send us can be found at the water scarcity in your area webpage.

Scottish Water reports the raw water available in storage reservoirs and rivers across the country on a weekly basis and is available on Scottish Water’s webpage. 

Send your information to lowflowimpacts@sepa.org.uk. Details of the information that is useful to help us assess water scarcity stress can be found by looking at the water scarcity in your area webpage.

Everyone has a role to play in managing our water environment. Scottish Water are responsible for public water supply and distribution in Scotland. They give advice on how members of the public can take action to reduce water use. For example, having shorter showers, switching to the eco-mode on your washing machine, using a watering can instead of a hose.

Please help us by reporting dry rivers and burns in your area. This will help us have the best possible understanding of the impacts of dry weather. Tell us about rivers with isolated pools separated by stretches that are dry or have only a trickle of water, distressed or dead fish or invertebrates and dry private water supplies (e.g. wells and springs). Together this will help improve our reporting and allow us to issue more accurate warnings.

Scottish Water is responsible for public water supply and distribution in Scotland, you can contact Scottish Water.

Scottish Water is responsible for public water supply and distribution in Scotland, you can contact Scottish Water.