Farmers have been warned they may be barred from withdrawing water from natural sources in East Lothian due to the water scarcity situation.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said that the Tyne catchment in East Lothian has reached “significant scarcity” levels.
It is warning water abstractors - businesses such as farmers, whisky distilleries and golf courses that remove or divert water from the natural water environment - about possible suspensions of licences.
Parts of the Tweed catchment in the Scottish Borders remain at “significant water scarcity” level with suspensions on abstractions still in place.
The rest of the area is also expected to reach this level in the coming days, along with the River Ythan catchment in Aberdeenshire.
Nathan Critchlow-Watton, head of water and planning at SEPA, said: “Although we have seen some rainfall in these areas over the last week, it has not been enough to make up for the long-term deficits that have built up throughout the year.
“With more prolonged dry weather forecast, we will continue to monitor conditions and take appropriate action until the risk of water scarcity has reduced.
“Suspensions are part of Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan, which is designed to ensure the correct balance is struck between protecting the environment and providing resource for human and economic activity during prolonged dry periods.
“They are a last resort and SEPA only takes such action when the evidence tells us it can no longer be avoided.
“It is vital that business reliant on local water environments are prepared for these conditions as climate change means water scarcity is becoming a more regular occurrence.
“We are already seeing that this summer and we are committed to working with those affected now and in the future to help them build resilience.”
SEPA added that businesses in East Lothian reliant on water abstractions are being contacted about next steps and possible licence suspensions to prevent further harm and potentially irreversible damage to the local water environment.
Some businesses may be able to switch to groundwater as their source and can apply to do so on the SEPA website, with applications from significant scarcity areas prioritised and fast-tracked.
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