Well-known Scots waterways like Loch Ness, Loch Maree and the River Esk have been hit with water scarcity warnings amid the hot, dry weather. Nearly all of Scotland is now officially on alert for shortages following a crisis summit between SNP ministers and authorities on Thursday night.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) announced that Loch Maree in Wester Ross has been escalated to a “significant risk” of water scarcity. And the beloved Loch Ness, along with the Esk area of Dumfriesshire, have been moved up to a “moderate scarcity” warning.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said shortages could become “widespread” across the country in the coming weeks. People and businesses across Scotland are being urged to use water carefully - with little rain forecast over the next few weeks.
Climate experts have repeatedly warned global warming will make water shortages more common in Scotland by reducing summer rainfall. Loch Maree’s risk rating of “significant” is the highest available, meaning water flows have been exceptionally low for at least 30 days in a row.
Nathan Critchlow-Watton, Head of Water and Planning at the watchdog, said: “For the risk of water scarcity to have reached significant this early in the summer is extremely concerning. It leaves no doubt that the next few months are going to be very challenging for all those who rely on the water environment to run their business.
“While water levels are critical in this part of the Highlands, we can see other areas of Scotland are on the same trajectory and it’s vital that businesses take steps now to maximise the resource available and prevent further environmental harm.”
Loch Maree, which is a designated National Nature Reserve hosting rare birds and plants, has 22 licences linked to it for hydropower generation. These already have “low flow protection” conditions set in their permits, said SEPA, meaning operators must stop abstracting water as the environment gets drier without the need for licence suspensions.
Most of the rest of the country, comprising some 37 areas, are classed as at “alert" level. But seven areas - Orkney, Ythan, Don, Kintyre, Firth of Clyde, Loch Fyne and the River Add - remain at “early warning” level.
SEPA warned of a heightened risk of water scarcity earlier this year after a drier-than-average winter saw river flows and groundwater levels dip. Sarah Cowie, from the National Farmers Union of Scotland, said: “Water is a vital resource for the agricultural sector as we cannot produce food without a consistent and plentiful water supply.
“Last year, SEPA suspended abstraction licences for some growers for the first time and the current prolonged period of dry weather across the country means all farmers and growers must think about water use on farms now and plan ahead for the coming summer season.”
Speaking on Thursday night after a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR), the First Minister said: “While there is no immediate risk to public water supplies, water levels are much lower than usual for the time of year, particularly in parts of north and southern Scotland.
“With little significant rain forecast, shortages could become more likely and potentially more widespread. Everyone needs to use water responsibly.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
