Scotland's east coast is facing record pressure on its rivers, with 17 areas now at Significant Scarcity - the highest number since the current version of the National Water Scarcity Plan was introduced.
Image source: Scottish Environment Protection Agency
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s latest water scarcity report released yesterday shows that Significant Scarcity is now affecting the Upper Tweed, Mid-Tweed and Lauderdale, Tyne (Lothian), Fife (East Neuk), Leven (Fife), Lunan Water, Lower Dee and Water of Feugh, South Ugie Water, River Findhorn, Findhorn (East), River Avon, Lower Spey, Deveron, Upper and Lower Don (Aberdeenshire), Ythan and North Fife areas.
According to SEPA, more areas could reach this level in the coming days.
The Agency says that while it is difficult to compare directly with previous years because area boundaries have been refined over time, this year stands out for the scale and duration of low rivers flows. In the Lower Spey, for example, the 2025 season has seen the highest number of low-flow days in a 70-year record.
In response, SEPA have imposed temporary restrictions on licensed abstractions in affected areas. The total number of licence restrictions put in place so far this year is around 270, the highest number SEPA have ever issued.
All affected licences holders have been issued with letters explaining what they need to do, with the time and date the restrictions come into effect. SEPA officers are out in catchments daily, monitoring conditions and supporting abstractors.
The River Lossie will reach Significant Scarcity on Friday. Unless there is sustained rainfall over the coming days the Brodie, River Helmsdale, Cromarty Firth (North), Inverness (East), River Nairn, Kyle of Sutherland and River Carron areas are due to go to Significant Scarcity next week.
While some rain is forecast, it is not yet clear whether this will be enough to see rivers recover enough to lift restrictions. SEPA is continuing to monitor the situation closely.
Click here to access the Water Scarcity report online
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