Critical water alert issued for several rivers in Easter Scotland amid low rainfall

A water scarcity alert has been issued for several river catchments in the east of Scotland amid low rainfall and warm temperatures.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said on Friday that six river catchments in Scotland are now at alert level for water scarcity, meaning pressure on rivers is building fast.

According to SEPA, the River Dee and Firth of Forth are among six areas on “alert”, while the River Don and the Firth of Tay are among those experiencing “moderate” scarcity and are estimated to be only two weeks away from “significant” scarcity.

It is the third time this year that river levels in eastern Scotland have given SEPA cause for concern.

They previously warned of the chance of water scarcity in March after an “exceptionally dry” spring, which was the second driest in more than 100 years.

In July, high temperatures and lack of rain caused water scarcity levels to drop again, leaving river flows in several areas vulnerable.

Which rivers are affected?

The catchments for the River Almond, Tweed, Findhorn, Spey, Dee and Firth of Forth are on alert.

The Deveron, Ythan, Don and Esk in the North East, as well as the River Esk and Firth of Tay and Tyne in Lothian are currently experiencing moderate scarcity.

An early warning has also been raised for Orkney, Thurso and the Clyde, which means conditions are drying, but no action is required.

Sepa’s senior manager, Eilidh Johnston, said the alert shows the environment’s “vulnerability.”

“Approaching significant scarcity for the third time this year in some areas highlights the vulnerability of eastern Scotland’s water environment,” she said.

“We understand that after such a long period, the message may feel repetitive, and it’s easy to assume that rainfall will arrive in time to ease the pressure as it has before. But there’s no guarantee that will happen this time.”