Fife water scarcity risk set to reach ‘significant’, says SEPA
It means businesses could soon be required to stop abstracting water
Last updated 29th Jul 2022
A report has revealed areas in mid and north Fife are likely to reach "significant" water scarcity within the next week.
The study, published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), found groundwater and river levels are being severely impacted by a lack of rainfall in the east of Scotland.
It means businesses could soon be required to stop abstracting water, with 2022 seeing the driest January in the east since 1940.
SEPA is already contacting affected businesses to discuss what this will mean for them and to offer support.
Head of Water and Planning at SEPA Nathan Critchlow-Watton said: “Water resources are critical in the east, with groundwater levels the lowest they have been since records began in 2009 and conditions not expected to improve in the short term.
"Even in parts where there has been some rainfall and an immediate increase in river flows, the areas still remain vulnerable due to longer term rainfall deficits and very dry ground conditions.
“That is why it is important for businesses that abstract water to take action and reduce their current usage, minimising the effects on the environment.
“Climate change means water scarcity will become even more frequent. We want to work with businesses to plan their water usage long-term - not only will that protect Scotland’s rivers and lochs, but it will minimise business risks as well.”
Vital resource
Water is a resource that underpins key sectors across Scotland including hydropower, golf, whisky production and farming.
NFU Scotland’s Environmental Resources Policy Manager Sarah Cowie said: “Water is a vital resource for the agriculture sector as we cannot produce food without a consistent and plentiful water supply.
"With significant areas of Scotland experiencing a prolonged dry spell, it’s important farmers take steps to ensure the continued supply of water and avoid disruption.
“Farmers are encouraged to irrigate when, and only as much as, absolutely necessary. When irrigating land, they should check equipment isn’t leaking, don’t over spray, and use trickle irrigation where appropriate.
"We also encourage irrigators to stagger abstractions with other operators in their catchment area, reduce the volume used, and irrigate at night where possible."
SEPA is encouraging water abstractors concerned about meeting licence conditions to contact by emailing waterscarcity@sepa.org.uk.