River levels drop again across region

AN alert is in place to monitor low water levels on the River Annan.

And the River Esk has been placed on a ‘moderate scarcity’ warning.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA) latest weekly water scarcity report was published yesterday and shows conditions have deteriorated across much of the country, including locally.

Water scarcity is now most severe across eastern and southern Scotland, where many catchments are at Alert or Moderate Scarcity. Early

With conditions continuing to deteriorate in this region, SEPA are urging farmers, businesses and other licensed abstractors locally, who have not already done so, to put those plans into action. This includes reducing abstraction where possible, improving water efficiency, staggering abstractions with neighbouring users where appropriate and implementing contingency plans. These actions can help reduce pressure on rivers and minimise the need for restrictions later in the season.

Shona McConnell, from SEPA, said: “Our weekly water scarcity reports and Drought Risk Assessment Tool help people understand what’s happening in their local area and plan ahead.

“If restrictions become necessary, they will be targeted, temporary and only remain in place for as long as they are needed to protect Scotland’s water environment.”

Anyone can monitor conditions using the online Drought Risk Assessment Tool, which shows colour-coded monitoring stations across Scotland and how close local areas are to reaching Significant Scarcity.

People can also help by reporting signs of water scarcity, including exceptionally low river levels, dry riverbeds and impacts on habitats, through SEPA’s website.