Worries over area’s water levels

WATER scarcity in the region’s rivers is worsening – with a further decline in levels following another dry week. The rivers Annan, Nith, Dee and Cree join a growing number of water catchments nationally now experiencing ‘moderate’ scarcity, according to this week’s water situation report by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). And officials have warned that while rain is forecast this weekend and the start of next week, it will not reverse the effects of weeks of dry conditions. Eilidh Johnston, SEPA’s senior manager in water industry and rural economy, yesterday said: “Some of Scotland’s most iconic rivers are at record lows, and the environmental impacts are clear. “A few days of rain will not undo months of drier than average weather. “We need well above average rainfall over a sustained period to see any recovery, especially in the east. “It has been the driest start to a year in Scotland since 1964. “I’m urging anyone who has a licence from SEPA to take water from the environment to ensure you are doing everything you can to use water efficiently. “If the weather continues without significant additional rain, we’ll have to take measures to reduce the amount of water that can be taken from the environment. “The steps you take now are very important in delaying that action.” For regular updates, advice and the latest water scarcity report, visit: www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity.