SEPA imposes first water scarcity restrictions of the year as dry weather leaves rivers 'critically low'

Two areas have reached significant scarcity - the highest level of water scarcity - with restrictions imposed on some farmers and businesses.

Scotland has faced what feels like every type of weather this summer, from heatwaves to storms. Although it has rained more than we would have liked, it turns out it has not rained enough to nourish some of Scotland's rivers.

This week, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has been forced to put water usage restrictions in place for the first time this year, following an extended period of dry weather that has left rivers critically low.

Some areas have been hit harder than others. The Ythan and North Fife catchment areas have been declared as experiencing significant scarcity - the highest level of water scarcity.

As a result, SEPA has imposed limitations in these areas on the amount of water that can be abstracted - the process of removing or diverting water from the natural environment through methods such as pumps and wells.

Chris Dailly, Sepa's head of environmental performance (geographic), said: "The water environment in parts of Scotland is clearly under stress and protecting it remains a top priority.

"We recognise the challenges that farmers and other businesses face but no one should be caught off guard - we've been speaking directly to licence holders across the summer.

"If you abstract water you should already have plans in place to reduce volumes, stagger abstractions and follow the conditions of your licence."

SEPA said the restrictions, which affect some farmers and businesses, are temporary and will be lifted as soon as conditions permit. However, they are crucial to protect the environment, wildlife and communities that rely on healthy rivers.

These measures follow months of deteriorating conditions, with rainfall data indicating that every month of the year so far has been drier than average on Scotland's east coast.

The Significant Scarcity category indicates that rivers are at critical levels. Other areas in Scotland should not rest on their laurels, either, a other catchments are under sustained stress, too, according to the environment body.

The Deveron, Don, Esk (Angus), Firth of Tay and Tyne (Lothian) have been experiencing Moderate Scarcity for a prolonged period, while the Spey, Almond and Tweed catchments were upgraded to Moderate Scarcity last week.

Licence holders in these areas are being advised to manage abstractions carefully.

And SEPA has warned that without a period of consistent rainfall, further catchments, including the Deveron and Don, could escalate to Significant Scarcity in the coming days.

In better news, several bands of heavy showers are reportedly making their way across the country for the rest of the week, which may ease up some of the restrictions.

Into tonight, Monday, August 25, a "band of rain" caused by Hurricane Erin - a tropical storm that has ripped across the US after causing several deaths off the west coast of Africa - will descend on Scotland.

Met Office Meteorologist Kathryn Chalk said: "This [band of rain] ... is going to be bringing in bands of showers or heavier spells of rain as we go through the week, and also some large waves especially across the western coast.

"This band of rain will edge into western parts of Scotland, then later overnight [Monday into Tuesday] into Wales and the south west of England could turn quite heavy at times."

Friday, August 29, is predicted to be a total washout as well, as a '590-mile wall of rain' is to rampage across the country, signifying a very wet finish to the summer season.

Data from weather mapping service WXCharts suggests that a huge system of rain will bring winds of up to 30km/hour (18mph) and heavy downpours from the early hours of Friday.