A Scottish environmental agency have said that the east of Scotland has experienced its driest start to the year in over 80 years, with areas such as Edinburgh's Firth of Forth remaining a moderate risk of water scarcity.
In July, areas in the east of Scotland, including Edinburgh, experienced record-breaking temperatures, with SEPA issuing multiple updates regarding water scarcity levels and what both locals and businesses can do to reduce the amount of water they are using.
Their report issued on July 28 provides a further warning over water use as they say that January was the driest start to the year since 1940 in the east. They added that the Firth of Forth remains a risk of extreme water scarcity, and businesses in Scotland could soon be asked to halt water abstraction.
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If businesses extract water from natural sources such as rivers, wells and canals, they typically requite an abstraction license, provided by the Government. SEPA have the power to suspend these licenses if scarcity levels increase drastically, which is currently a possibility.
They cited a lack of rainfall in areas such as Edinburgh and increasingly high temperatures have placed natural water sources at risk. Areas in mid and north Fife are also likely to reach significant scarcity within the next week.
Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, Nathan Critchlow-Watton, said: "Water resources are critical in the east, with groundwater levels the lowest they have been since records began in 2009 and conditions not expected to improve in the short term. Even in parts where there has been some rainfall and an immediate increase in river flows, the areas still remain vulnerable due to longer term rainfall deficits and very dry ground conditions.
"That is why it is important for businesses that abstract water to take action and reduce their current usage, minimising the effects on the environment. SEPA is here to offer support and guidance, and each week we set out the key measures abstractors should be taking to conserve water.
"Climate change means water scarcity will become even more frequent. We want to work with businesses to plan their water usage long-term, so that we can preserve this vital resource as effectively as possible. Not only will that protect Scotland’s rivers and lochs, but it will minimise business risks as well."
Last week, Scotland recorded a new record-breaking temperature of 34C in the Borders, with Edinburgh topping 30C, prompting SEPA to closely monitor some of the largest and vulnerable water sources in the region.
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