THE whisky industry in Scotland is “at risk” from increased instances of drought due to climate change, according to new research.
The James Hutton Institute, which led the research commissioned by Scotland’s Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW), found that the number of water scarcity events in Scotland could double by 2050 and encouraged sectors such as whisky and farming to do more to adapt.
Scotland’s Rural College, the University of Aberdeen and the British Geological Survey were also partners in commissioning the study.
It found that surface water scarcity events, where rivers fall to significantly low levels, could increase in frequency from one every five years to one every two years, or even more often.
Such events could result in more restrictions being placed on industries which rely on water, particularly during times of drought.
“We found that, for many, water scarcity is already an increasing issue,” said Dr Miriam Glendell, who led the research.
“At critical times of the year, even short periods of water shortage could lead to vegetable and fruit crop failure.
“Some are already taking measures to adapt, particularly in the distilling sector, where technical advances could help reduce their need for water for cooling, but many could be at risk if they don’t take more action.
“Our work suggests more information would help them, about resources, but also adaptation strategies they can take, as well as help funding these and collaborating across catchments over resources."
April and May and late August and September are expected to be notably drier in the coming years, which could impact crop yields and livestock growth in the farming sector.
Irrigation methods, avoiding the introduction of more water-demanding crops, increased water harvesting and storage of water in wetter months are all floated as potential solutions to the issue.
However, while the use of groundwater (water stored beneath the ground) could address some shortages, more information was needed on where this would be a viable option.
Summer groundwater levels have been lower than usual in some regions during recent years when compared to previous decades, sparking concern that areas with decreasing groundwater levels could be even more vulnerable to drought.
The British Geological Survey and the University of Aberdeen have developed a new framework to help estimate groundwater resilience.
“Water scarcity is a clear risk to business resilience and, once aware of these risks, participants were looking for solutions,” said Dr Kirsty Blackstock, who co-led the research.
“But more information is needed on potential returns on investment and how the solutions can fit in with existing farm practices.
“Clarity on funding opportunities for these interventions in the new Agricultural Payments Tiers would also help them to adapt.”
More coordination across sectors was recommended to try and solve future issues with drought as well as a greater role for river catchment partnerships to coordinate the use of water resources at a landscape scale.
