Aberdeenshire businesses warned of low water levels
SEPA has issued advice for water usage according to a five-tiered approach
An early warning for water scarcity in parts of Aberdeenshire is being issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
The latest water situation report published by SEPA shows dry weather continues to affect river flows and groundwater levels.
The southern half of the country had already reached early warning stage at the end of April, though rainfall over the last week has improved conditions in Argyll.
Businesses which abstract water in affected areas are asked to start considering how they can be more efficient to protect both the environment and their own operations.
This includes checking for any leaks in equipment and considering water requirements over the coming weeks and months.
Decrease in summer rainfall
Many sectors in Scotland rely on a consistent water source including farming, food and drink production, hydro energy and golf courses.
Water users are issued abstraction permits by SEPA which have requirements to help manage the water environment.
David Harley, Interim Chief Officer Circular Economy for SEPA, said: “Although Scotland is generally considered a wet country, we are seeing how it could become vulnerable to periods of dry weather.
"Climate change projections indicate a decrease in summer rainfall and many areas could face pressures on water resources, even if they have not experienced this before.
“Businesses have a part to play to reduce the pressure. They should plan, monitor and record their water use and ensure they are operating at maximum efficiency by avoiding any unnecessary leakage.
“We can provide further advice and guidance on a series of straightforward steps that can be taken. Whilst our first aim is always to help people do the right thing, we can hold to account businesses who deliberately fail to follow the abstraction guidelines set out by SEPA.”
Five-tiered approach
The report categorises the water situation across Scotland through a five-tiered approach. Appropriate action should be taken within these five categories:
Normal Conditions
Abstract as normal.
Early warning
Start to consider how you can optimise water use efficiency.
Alert
If you are irrigating your land, check equipment, don’t over spray, use trickle irrigation and irrigate at night to avoid evaporation.
Moderate scarcity
In prolonged dry periods, reduce abstractions by staggering with other operators, reduce the volume and switch to other supplies or suspend your abstractions.
Significant scarcity
This means Scotland’s water resources are becoming scarce - switch supplies or temporarily stop abstracting.
Business can find out more information about water scarcity and how to prepare on SEPA's website.