Latest news with #EilidhJohnston
STV News
22-05-2025
- Climate
- STV News
Above-average rainfall needed for water levels to recover from dry spell
A sustained period of 'well above average rainfall' is needed if Scotland is to recover from its driest start to the year since 1964, experts warn. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said some parts of Fife have seen 'no measurable rainfall' for more than a month, and the ongoing dry spell has seen many of Scotland's rivers fall to 'record lows'. The lack of rain has now seen six more Scottish river catchments, including the Tay, Spey and Annan, being moved to 'moderate scarcity' status, bringing the total number to 17. The areas affected cover the east coast of Aberdeenshire, down to the Scottish Borders, and across the south of the country to Dumfries and Galloway. SEPA said moderate scarcity means there is a 'clear' environmental impact from the lack of water, and 'action is expected from abstractors (such as agriculture and industry) to protect rivers and the species that rely on them'. Eilidh Johnston, SEPA's senior manager in water industry and rural economy, warned the agency may have to take 'measures' to restrict water use if the dry weather continues. 'A few days of rain will not undo months of drier than average weather,' she said. 'We need well above average rainfall over a sustained period to see any recovery, especially in the east. 'It has been the driest start to a year in Scotland since 1964. Fife has had no significant rain for over a month and groundwater levels are some of the lowest on record for the time of year. So, we're seeing some quite significant issues coming. 'I'm urging anyone who has a licence from Sepa to take water from the environment to ensure you are doing everything you can to use water efficiently. 'If the weather continues without significant additional rain, we'll have to take measures to reduce the amount of water that can be taken from the environment. 'The steps you take now are very important in delaying that action.' A huge thanks to our customers up & down the country for helping us save water during the driest start to the year since 1964! You are helping us save 60million litres per day, keep it up! 🏴 💧 Every drop counts 👉 — Scottish Water (@scottish_water) May 19, 2025 With rain forecast over the coming days the agency has also warned of environmental risks from the first heavy rainfall following a dry spell, due to the water washing pollutants from roads and land into rivers. The agency explained this can create a 'short-term shock' to ecosystems, which it said is a 'known risk' for fish deaths. It appealed to anyone concerned about a 'fish kill' to report it to Sepa as soon as possible so they can ensure there is no ongoing pollution incident. Scottish Water earlier issued a statement thanking Scots for saving 60 million litres of water a day, which it said was helping the company 'protect resources and maintain normal supplies across the country'. Kes Juskowiak, a Scottish Water director, said: 'We'd like to say a massive thank-you to everyone who has helped reduce water demand by using what is a precious resource as efficiently as possible, but we need customers to continue their support and to take whatever measures they can to do so. 'The system remains under significant pressure and so we'd like to encourage everyone to continue to use Scotland's water as efficiently as possible.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Dry spell leaves Scottish rivers on low level alert
More than half of Scotland's rivers have been placed under a low water alert following a long spell of dry Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said 23 areas surrounding major bodies of water including the Clyde, Dee, Firth of Forth and Firth of Tay were experiencing some level of water Council has urged those on private water supplies to use them responsibly due to lower than normal water comes as the UK as a whole experiences its driest spring conditions so far for 130 years. Just 80mm of rain has fallen over the entire spring recording Water said reservoir levels were running at about 81% of capacity – down 10% on the average for this time of year. Scotland marked its hottest day of the year on Tuesday, with temperatures of 25.5C recorded in South Ayrshire and began warning of water scarcity at the beginning of March after below-average rainfall last winter followed on from a particularly dry said it was not likely to rain in Scotland for the next seven Johnston, Sepa's senior manager in the water industry and rural economy, said that would lead to drier than normal ground conditions and decreased river said: "We have been warning since the start of spring that continued drier weather could disrupt agricultural activities, strain local water supplies and impact industries that depend on consistent water availability."Prolonged water scarcity can also impact local ecosystems, lower water quality and place additional pressure on native flora and fauna." Ms Johnston added that those who use water for business or agricultural purposes should "use it wisely" to avoid Sepa imposing said: "Several industries across Scotland rely on natural water resources, whether it's for food and drink production, hydropower or maintaining world famous golf courses. "The next few weeks and months are a crucial time of year for water demand and those who take water from our environment must manage it wisely, minimising the need for restrictions to be imposed."Highland Council said homes with private supplies should check for leaks or contamination include any properties without a Scottish Water mains local authority's environmental health team said those homes should boil water before drinking or using it if the supply is emergency scheme to provide bottled water is being set up, they Water said reservoir levels were down about 3% on last said they were monitoring water resources across the country. Are we heading for a record dry spring? With 18 days to go in the spring recording period, Scotland, and the UK as a whole, is on track to break a 132-year record for dry 80mm of rain has fallen this spring, making the 107.2mm that fell in 1893 look like a washout by last time spring was this dry in the UK, Queen Victoria was on the Scotland weather presenter Kirsteen MacDonald said conditions look to turn more unsettled towards the end of next week, with signs of a move to wetter, Atlantic-driven weather. Low levels of rain were predicted for parts of central and southern Scotland earlier in the week, but forecasters are now confident the country will not see any rain for the next seven in Fife could claim to be the driest place in the UK, the parched ground not seeing a drop of rain for 25 puts it about 499 years and 340 days away from reaching the record for parts of the Atacama Desert in Chile, the driest nonpolar region on Earth where rain is last thought to have fallen at some point in the 16th is unlikely Scotland will have to wait quite that long for the deluge to come, however the spring recording period ends on 31 May.
Daily Record
02-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Alert issued over low water levels in two Dumfries and Galloway rivers
The good weather has seen an early warning issued for water scarcity across the whole region. An alert for low water levels has been issued for two rivers in Dumfries and Galloway. And the good weather has seen an early warning issued for water scarcity across the whole region. SEPA has issued an alert for both the River Esk and the River Annan catchment areas with more hot, dry weather expected over the next few days. The recent sun and high temperatures means pressure is building fast on rivers, with 17 such alerts having been issued across Scotland. The majority of Scotland saw less rainfall than average in April, with many areas now seeing prolonged periods of below average rainfall. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. SEPA's senior manager for regulation, business and environment Eilidh Johnston said: 'We're seeing the early signs of water scarcity again this spring. 'We know from experience that these conditions can escalate quickly. Scotland's climate is changing – rainfall is less predictable, and water isn't always available where and when it's needed. 'We are urging all businesses that take water from the environment – including farmers, food producers, construction and industry – to take action now to avoid problems later. 'We know that the demand for water peaks as we move in to summer, so it's vital that all abstractors and water users stay informed and work together to safeguard our water resources.'
