Ayrshire: 'Early warning' issued over water scarcity by SEPA

Little rain is forecast for the next few weeks, and the water scarcity situation is expected to escalate quickly.  

Due to the widespread hot, dry weather over the past week, the rapid drying of ground conditions has continued.

This, combined with low river flows, has moved most of the rest of Scotland to Alert level.

A brief change in the weather is expected, with localised heavy showers forecast for Sunday and Monday before a return to predominantly dry weather mid-week.

The anticipated average rainfall over the coming days is expected to do little to alleviate the current water scarcity situation and dry weather is expected to dominate into late June and early July.

Businesses are urged to be extra careful after the early warning was issued.

Ayrshire on Alert (Image: SEPA)

Nathan Critchlow-Watton, head of water and planning at SEPA, said:  “For the risk of water scarcity to have reached significant this early in the summer is extremely concerning and leaves no doubt that the next few months are going to be very challenging for all those who rely on the water environment to run their business.   

“It’s vital that businesses take steps now to maximise the resource available and prevent further environmental harm.”  

This week’s water scarcity report reveals two areas are now at moderate scarcity - the Ness area in the Highlands and the Esk area of Dumfriesshire.  

Most of the rest of the country is now at Alert – except for seven areas in early warning - Orkney, Ythan, Don, Kintyre, Firth of Clyde, Loch Fyne and the River Add.   

Abstractors and irrigators are advised to manage water wisely to minimise the need for licence restrictions, and regularly check equipment to make sure it's in good condition and not leaking. Where possible, the volume and rate of abstractions should be reduced.  

Sarah Cowie, environmental resources policy manager at NFUS, said: “Water is a vital resource for the agricultural sector as we cannot produce food without a consistent and plentiful water supply. Last year, SEPA suspended abstraction licences for some growers for the first time and the current prolonged period of dry weather across the country means all farmers and growers must think about water use on farm now and plan ahead for the coming summer season.

"Our Horticulture Working Group met with SEPA this week to discuss a partnership approach between growers and SEPA on water resource management.”    

Anyone concerned about meeting licence conditions or wishing to discuss contingency measures are encouraged to contact SEPA by emailing waterscarcity@sepa.org.uk.  

For more information on water scarcity and to view the latest report, visit www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity.     

Further information on water efficiency measures can also be found on the Farm Advisory website.