A water shortage warning has been issued in Scotland after the UK's record-breaking heatwave. A report by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) published on Friday notes that many parts of the country remain at an increased risk of water scarcity.
The agency urged businesses that use water in moderate scarcity areas to limit use to when "absolutely necessary". Most of the east coast has been issued an alert or a moderate scarcity warning, including the Don, the Dee, Ythan, the Firth of Tay, Firth of Forth, Almond and Tyne catchments.
"Water scarcity is a very real threat as a result of climate change," warned SEPA's Senior Water and Land Manager, Jennifer Leonard. "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."
