Businesses urged to manage water use in light of scarcity warning

Businesses extracting water are being urged to manage water wisely as the country continues to experience warm, dry weather and most of Scotland is now affected by water scarcity.

By
Mark Dowie
Tuesday, 13th June 2023, 12:36pm
Businesses urged to manage water use in light of scarcity warning

With the east of the country now at Early Warning for Water Scarcity, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is asking that businesses implement their water scarcity plans to reduce pressure on the environment and preserve water resources.

Little rain is forecast for the next few weeks, and the situation is expected to escalate quickly and the public can help to monitor the impact on the environment.

Below average rainfall for May has led to a deteriorating water scarcity situation across Scotland, with North Aberdeenshire the only area that remains at Normal Conditions for the time being.

Nathan Critchlow-Watton, head of water and planning at SEPA, said: “The water scarcity picture in Scotland is just one of the consequences of climate change the country faces, and its frequency and severity is only likely to increase in the future. This is a crucial time of year for water demand, but with no rain in the forecast we cannot rule out needing to impose restrictions over the summer.

"Abstractors must manage water wisely in the coming weeks and months and should already have contingency plans in place in case restrictions are needed to avoid long-term damage to the environment and fish populations

“All of us have a responsibility in managing our water environment, this summer and beyond. By using water efficiently, businesses can increase their resilience to the impacts of prolonged dry conditions and save money.”

Advice and support can be found at at www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity.

People can help SEPA keep track by reporting dry private water supplies and rivers and burns in their areas – especially if there are photographs that will help to show the conditions including dead or distressed fish or large numbers of dead plants on part of riverbeds not usually exposed. Information can be sent to lowflowimpacts@sepa.org.uk.

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