Low water alert remains

AN ALERT that water levels are falling remains in place for the Rivers Annan, Nith, Dee and Cree, according to SEPA.

And the agency is advising voluntary reductions in non-essential water use for local businesses and organisations.

Officials say that although conditions are not as severe as they were at this point last year, the coming weeks and months are a ‘critical time’ for water demand.

Businesses and organisations in the region that take water from the environment have been advised to: monitor how much water they are using, use water as efficiently as possible, keep equipment in good working order to reduce leaks and losses, understand the water scarcity level in their catchment, and to have contingency plans in place should conditions worsen.

SEPA spokesperson Eilidh Johnston said: “Scotland’s climate is changing, and periods of prolonged dry weather are becoming an increasingly important challenge for our rivers and the businesses that rely on taking water directly from the environment.”

Everyone can report signs of water scarcity, such as exceptionally low river levels to dry riverbeds. Go to sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity.