SEPA issues first water scarcity warning of 2022 season

On 28 April 2022, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has published its first water scarcity report of the year, with low levels being recorded in parts of Scotland. 

The report finds the southern half of the country has reached early warning stage and businesses which abstract water should consider how they can be more efficient to protect both the environment and their own operations. 

This comes after dry conditions across Scotland in March, with only half of the long-term average monthly rainfall, with groundwater levels at monitoring sites in Fife and Angus particularly low. Normal amounts for this time of year would have benefited river flows, topped up reservoirs and provided moisture in the soils. 

SEPA is responsible for the forecasting, monitoring, and reporting of the situation facing Scotland's water resources and produces weekly water scarcity reports between May and September. 

Businesses can take steps to protect water supplies by planning ahead, reducing volumes and irrigating at night where possible. Operators should also work together to stagger abstractions. 

Source: SEPA, 29 April 2022