A number of areas across eastern Scotland are now within a week of reaching Significant Scarcity according to the latest data from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

SEPA’s weekly Water Scarcity Report shows that eight river catchments remain at Moderate Scarcity – the Spey, Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Dee (Aberdeen), Esk, Firth of Tay and Tyne (Lothian). The Findhorn, Firth of Forth and Helmsdale catchments are at Alert.

Monitoring stations at the following locations are nearing the Significant Scarcity threshold:

• Minmore – River Livet (Lower Speyside) lowest spring flows in 40-year record
• Alford and Houghton – River Don (Aberdeen) lowest spring flows in 50-year record
• Heughhead – River Feugh (Lower Dee, Aberdeenshire) lowest spring flows in 40-year record
• Logie Mill – North Esk (Angus) (lowest spring flows in 50-year record)
• Balmossie – Dighty Water (Tayside) lowest spring flows since 1973
• Kemback – River Eden (North Fife) lowest spring flows since 1973

The catchments have been under pressure for some time, with several at Moderate Scarcity for weeks. Rain is expected over the next few days affecting west, central and southern Scotland but north east areas remain largely dry.

SEPA’s Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT) uses current river flow data from hundreds of sites across Scotland. The science-led approach is used to track environmental conditions and help prevent lasting harm to rivers, lochs and the ecosystems that depend on them.

If conditions do not improve and these areas move to Significant Scarcity, SEPA expect to take action early next week. Measures may include limiting or temporarily suspending abstractions where necessary. These decisions will be based on sound science and environmental monitoring, including recognised hydrological low-flow thresholds based on river flow records that span decades. Restrictions will only be in place for the shortest time possible.

SEPA have been in regular contact with licence holders throughout this period and have been working closely with partners including NFUS, Scotch Whisky Association, Scottish Golf and others.

Rivers are approaching critical environmental thresholds

Chris Dailly, SEPA’s Head of Environmental Performance (Geographic), said:

“These rivers are approaching critical environmental thresholds following months of sustained low rainfall. Autumn 2024 was one of the driest in 100 years, followed by a dry spring – the second driest in a century for the east. Many catchments in eastern Scotland are seeing their lowest river flows for decades, with some stations recording record or near-record lows for spring and early summer.

“Those who take water from our rivers and lochs have a key role in protecting our environment, and most take that role seriously. Farmers, land managers, food and drink manufacturers and other businesses across the country have been making a real effort. Many distilleries have brought forward summer shutdowns. Irrigators are already adjusting practices. We see that and we value it. But if restrictions are needed they must be implemented and they must be respected.

“This is about protecting rivers and lochs for the long term, ensuring the environment and the businesses that depend on it can thrive. We do not take these decisions lightly. Restrictions will only apply where they are absolutely necessary, and for the shortest possible time. But the evidence is clear, the pressure on the environment is too great in some areas.”

If restrictions are required licence holders will receive written communication from SEPA next week detailing what is required of them.

The current situation reflects months of sustained low rainfall.

• Autumn 2024 was the fifth driest in 100 years, based on Met Office data.
• Winter 2024/2025 also saw below-average rainfall across much of Scotland.
• By spring 2025, the east of Scotland had recorded its second driest spring in a century, and the first half of the year was the driest since 1973 in some areas.
• By mid-May, some catchments in the east had experienced 11 consecutive months of below-average rainfall.
• River flows on the Don were the second lowest in a 94-year record, with only 1938 lower.
• The Lower Spey reached its lowest seasonal flow since records began in 1952.

Parts of Fife and Angus recorded their lowest groundwater levels ever for May and June, including:

• Newton of Falkland (Fife) borehole – second lowest level in 28 years
• Murton (Angus) borehole – lowest June level in its 18-year record

Across the east, many river flow stations recorded their highest number of low-flow days in the first half of the year, with some datasets spanning nearly a century.