World Water Day announcement – Businesses in Caithness are urged to prepare for water scarcity this summer
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is working with Caithness businesses to prepare for a similar drought to the one affecting the county last summer.
Today on World Water Day, it is believed that parts of the country could struggle in the coming months with insufficient resources due to a particularly dry winter. Last year, Caithness was affected by a shortage of rainfall with water levels in Wick River described as "disastrous" while the prolonged spell of dry weather also resulted in a temporary halt to the production of Old Pulteney whisky.
New data reveals January this year was the seventh driest on record for the east coast. Groundwater levels are also still low despite a series of storms in February, and without average rainfall through spring and summer, there is a risk of water scarcity.
Water scarcity is just one indicator of Scotland’s changing climate. With more extreme weather and a projected decrease in summer rainfall, many places could face pressure on water resources even if they have not experienced this before. As well as the ecological impacts – food and drink production, hydropower generation and other business activity reliant on a consistent water supply could also be affected.
Environment minister Mairi McAllan said: “In recent times Scotland has experienced some of the driest conditions we have seen for many years, bringing water scarcity impacts for many businesses and households across the country.
“With climate change at the forefront of all our minds, the need to conserve water as one of our most precious natural resources is more crucial than ever. Indeed, the most recent report from the Climate Change Committee confirmed that drought will become more prevalent in years to come as summers in Scotland get drier and hotter. That’s why I urge everyone to use water wisely and to take advantage of the advice and guidance offered by SEPA and Scottish Water – it benefits all of us, is good for our economy and our planet.”
SEPA is responsible for the forecasting, monitoring, and reporting of the situation facing Scotland's water resources and produces regular water scarcity reports between May and September. However, due to the severity of impacts last year, reports were also published outside of this period. This work, along with wet weather research, will better equip Scottish communities and organisations to innovate, adapt and prepare for future increased impacts.
Businesses also have a role to play in managing the water environment, and efficient use of resources can lead to economic and environmental benefits. SEPA helps organisations do this in sectors such as agriculture, aquaculture, hydropower, golf, and whisky production.
SEPA’s head of water and planning, Nathan Critchlow-Watton, said: “It is vitally important that Scotland is prepared to deal with water scarcity now and in the future. Businesses should use the information available to them to make informed decisions about reducing their reliance on water and to plan for and manage water scarcity events.
“Water abstractors licenced by SEPA should have a plan to deal with the range of conditions they may experience. They should monitor their water usage and equipment to ensure they are operating at maximum efficiency and avoiding any unnecessary leakage. Businesses are also being encouraged to work together and plan abstractions accordingly to minimise any potential impacts.
“SEPA can provide advice and guidance on a series of straightforward steps that can be taken to reduce pressure on Scotland’s water environment. However, if businesses deliberately fail to follow the abstraction guidelines set out by SEPA this may result in enforcement action.”
Business can find out more information about water scarcity and how to prepare at SEPA's website: www.sepa.org.uk/environment/water/water-scarcity/
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Shortage of rain impacts on Caithness rivers and Wick distillery