Scotland’s environment watchdog has issued a fresh alert about water shortages in the east, with possible restrictions on water use set to hit some areas as soon as next week. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency, known as SEPA, points to months of low rainfall and dry conditions pushing river levels to critical lows, forcing steps to protect the environment and water supplies.
Current Water Scarcity Levels Across Scotland
SEPA uses a four-tier system to track water scarcity, ranging from early warning to significant scarcity. Right now, several key areas in eastern Scotland sit at moderate scarcity, a step up from recent weeks.
This system helps monitor risks based on river flows, groundwater, and soil moisture. As of August 22, 2025, the situation shows clear pressure building in multiple catchments.
Catchments at moderate scarcity include the Spey, Almond, and Tweed, which escalated this week. They join others like the Deveron, Ythan, Don in Aberdeenshire, Esk in Angus, Firth of Tay, and Tyne in Lothian, all stuck at this level for months.
At the alert level, the Earn and Orkney catchments moved up this week, while Findhorn, Dee in Aberdeenshire, and Firth of Forth stay there. Early warning covers spots like Forth, Esk in Dumfriesshire, Annan, Nith, Dee in Galloway, Cree, and Leven in Dunbartonshire, plus ongoing ones such as Wick, Helmsdale, Tay, Clyde, Naver, and Thurso.
Why Rainfall Shortages Are Driving the Crisis
The east coast of Scotland has seen drier than average weather every month since January 2025. Some areas face a rainfall deficit stretching back to June 2024, with about 40 percent less rain than the long-term average.
Recent thunderstorms, including heavy hail in Dundee and Aberdeenshire, offered little relief. These storms were spotty and short, often missing thirsty catchments. Intense rain on dry ground runs off quickly instead of soaking in, which limits recharge for rivers and underground water sources.
Warm, sunny springs and summers have worsened the issue, drying out soils and lowering river levels. Climate patterns show this dry spell fits a broader trend of unpredictable weather, making water management tougher.
Experts note that prolonged dry periods like this can harm ecosystems, agriculture, and local communities. Without steady rain soon, the strain could spread beyond the east.
Areas Facing the Highest Risk of Restrictions
SEPA warns that significant scarcity could hit parts of Aberdeenshire and beyond as early as next week if low flows continue. This level triggers regulatory actions, unlike the lower tiers that focus on monitoring.
Key zones at risk include the Deveron, Ythan, Upper and Lower Don in Aberdeenshire, North Fife, and the Lower Tweed. These areas show severe, ongoing low flows based on weekly assessments using long-term data and field checks.
If conditions worsen, SEPA may cut or halt licensed water abstractions to avoid long-term environmental damage. Such measures would be focused, temporary, and lifted once flows improve.
The agency has reached out directly to water users in these spots, urging them to prepare. This includes farmers, businesses, and others who pull water from rivers or groundwater.
Here is a summary of the most vulnerable areas:
- Aberdeenshire Catchments: Deveron, Ythan, Upper Don, Lower Don – at risk of significant scarcity due to persistent low river levels.
- Fife and Lothian: North Fife and Lower Tweed – facing similar threats from dry conditions and high demand.
- Other Eastern Zones: Spey, Almond, and parts of the Firth of Tay – already at moderate scarcity, potentially escalating.
Potential Impacts on Communities and Environment
Water restrictions could affect farming, industry, and daily life in affected areas. Farmers might need to limit irrigation, while businesses could face cuts in water for operations.
On the environmental side, low flows threaten fish populations, wildlife habitats, and water quality. Rivers like the Esk and Tyne in East Lothian have been vulnerable for weeks, showing how scarcity builds pressure fast.
Broader effects include risks to drinking water supplies if shortages deepen. Scotland has avoided the hosepipe bans seen in parts of England this year, but ongoing dry weather raises concerns.
To illustrate the progression of scarcity levels in key eastern catchments over recent months, here is a simple table:
| Catchment | June 2025 Level | July 2025 Level | August 2025 Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deveron | Alert | Moderate | Moderate (at risk) |
| Ythan | Alert | Moderate | Moderate (at risk) |
| Don (Aberdeenshire) | Early Warning | Moderate | Moderate (at risk) |
| Tweed | Alert | Moderate | Moderate |
| Spey | Early Warning | Alert | Moderate |
This table highlights how quickly conditions have deteriorated, based on SEPA’s weekly reports.
Advice from SEPA and Steps to Mitigate Risks
SEPA’s head of environmental performance, Kenny Boag, stressed the need for action. He said some rivers are days away from needing protections, and water users should have plans ready.
Recommendations include reducing water volumes, staggering abstractions, and sticking to license rules. Boag noted that SEPA is talking directly to those at risk to avoid surprises.
For the public, simple steps like shorter showers and fixing leaks can help ease demand. Businesses and farms are encouraged to check SEPA’s online tools for updates.
Looking ahead, experts call for better water storage and conservation to handle climate-driven dry spells. Recent events in England, with hosepipe bans amid record demand, underline the value of Scotland’s public water system in building resilience.
Broader Context and Future Outlook
This scarcity fits into global patterns of water stress from climate change. Scotland’s east has faced similar alerts in past years, but 2025 stands out for its unbroken dry streak.
Comparisons to England’s shortages, where leaks and population growth add pressure, show Scotland’s advantages in public management. Yet, without rain, more areas could join the list.
Forecasts suggest mixed weather ahead, but sustained relief is uncertain. SEPA will keep monitoring and updating weekly.
If you found this article helpful, share it with others facing water issues or leave a comment below on how dry weather affects your area. Your thoughts could spark important discussions.
