A dry spring and early summer have already withered rivers and reservoirs and pushed parts of eastern Scotland to Alert level. If the situation worsens, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) National Water Scarcity Plan may have to be put into action.
That could at some point mean restricting water use. But we are a long way from that at the moment.
The plan sets out how water resources will be managed prior to and during periods of prolonged dry weather. It ensures the correct balance is struck between protecting the environment and providing water resources for the population.
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Why is there a problem
SEPA’s Water Scarcity Report of July 21 highlights the issues. It says:
- Most areas across Scotland have continued to get drier. Although some rain is forecast, it is unlikely there will be enough to improve conditions.
- In the north-east, the Don catchment has now joined the Ythan and Dee at Moderate Scarcity due to continued dry ground conditions and low river levels in these areas. Also in the east, dry ground conditions and low river levels mean the Firth of Forth area, the Almond, Tyne and Firth of Tay Group remain at Moderate Scarcity.
- Most of the east coast is now at Alert or Moderate Scarcity due to an extended period of low river levels and dry weather. In the west, the Leven (Dumbartonshire) catchment has been raised to Early Warning, joining the rest of Galloway and Ayrshire. Groundwater levels are falling and are very low at some of SEPA’s monitoring locations.
"Water scarcity is a very real threat as a result of climate change," warned SEPA's Senior Water and Land Manager, Jennifer Leonard, last week. "It is also the result of long-term weather deficit and below average rainfall, and although some rain is forecast, it is unlikely there will be enough to improve conditions."
Ms Leonard continued: "We want to work with businesses to plan their water usage long-term so that we can preserve this vital resource. Not only will that protect Scotland's rivers and lochs, but it will minimise business risks as well."
What will happen if there is a drought?
In its National Water Scarcity Plan, SEPA sets out how it will work with water users (authorised abstractors and recreational users) and key organisations, such as Scottish Water, to manage water resources during periods of low rainfall.
Experts say that with a dry August forecast, things may quickly get worse in the UK. However, that depends not only on the quantity of rainfall, but on where the rain falls.
What can I do to help?
Scottish Water has a number of water-saving tips on its website. For example:
- Use a watering can instead of a hose and water plants early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Use a water butt. Rainwater is better for your plants as there is nitrogen in the rain which helps plants thrive. A small Scottish roof collects over 45,000 litres of water each year, that’s more than enough to keep your water butt topped up.
- Remember to wash your dishes in a basin or bowl instead of under a running tap.
- Fully load your washing machine and dishwasher and use the eco-setting where possible to save water and energy. Washing clothes at 30C rather than 40C reduces your machine’s energy consumption by 57%.
Recent droughts in the UK
- 1975 to 1976: The most severe drought in living memory occurred from May 1975 to August 1976. Many rivers experienced their lowest flows on record during this period and there were severe impacts on surface water and ground water resources.
- 1989 to 1992: Large rainfall deficits in winter 1989 to 1990 led to a significant impact on groundwater and resulted in a drought that continued to the end of summer 1992.
- 1995 to 1996: The drought of 1995 to 1996 featured the third lowest rainfall figure over 18 months, with road tankers used to bring water from Northumbrian Water's supply area to Yorkshire Water's.
- 2004 to 2006: The 2004 to 2006 drought showed a strong regional variation which was most severe in the South East of England.
- 2010 to 2012: From September 2010 to March 2012, many parts of England experienced the driest 18 months for over 100 years. Seven water companies imposed temporary use bans on 20 million people.
