Drought fears rise in Highlands after water scarcity scale raised to second highest level
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WATER scarcity warnings in part of the Highlands have been raised to moderate after the region and Scotland experienced a dry May – amid warnings the situation may "escalate quickly" amid continuing settled weather.
Recent high pressure has sat just west of the north-west Highlands for well over a week, and it is not expected to shift far until at least the back end of next week.
The dry spell has sparked wildfire warnings –and also led to a massive wildfire near Cannich that could rank among the worst in the UK's history.
The dry weather has also led to lower water levels in rivers, streams and groundwater.
And in the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's (Sepa) latest water scarcity report for June, it has raised the warning over the water catchments around Loch Maree, Torridon, Gairloch and Gruinard Bay to 'moderate' – the second highest alert level possible, and the highest alert currently in force anywhere in Scotland.
Many other parts of the Highlands – from north-west Sutherland, to Easter Ross, to the parts of the Great Glen – are sitting one level lower on the warning scale, with 'alerts' now in place. The rest of the Highlands is at the 'early warning' stage.
Fears of future water shortages this summer have already seen one Caithness distillery – Wick's Old Pulteney – announce plans to pause production for eight weeks.
"Businesses extracting water are being urged to put their water scarcity plans into action now to reduce pressure on the environment and preserve water resources," said a spokesman for Sepa.
"Little rain is forecast for the next few weeks, and the water scarcity situation is expected to escalate quickly.
"Below average rainfall for May has led to a deteriorating water scarcity situation across Scotland, with the Loch Maree area in the Highlands moving from alert level to moderate scarcity.
They continued: "Scotland received only 44 per cent of the long-term average rainfall across the country in May. With little rainfall forecast in the next week across Scotland, in the coming weeks the situation could escalate quickly, and extend across a much wider area. "
In all, 12 areas in Scotland now sit at 'alert' level, with part of Wester Ross being the only part of the country at the next level up at 'moderate scarcity'.
The Loch Maree area is reporting "extremely low river flows", while many of the Highland areas in alert status are recording "very low" river levels.
Head of water and planning at Sepa, Nathan Critchlow-Watton, added: “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.”
People who abstract water are being urged to check Sepa's website and scarcity waters regularly so they are fully aware of the local situation in there area.
People are also being urged to make sure they fix leaks immediately, and where posssible, reduce the volume of water removed.
They are als being urged to have contigency plans in case any restrictions are put in place.
Further advice and support is available at www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity.
People are being urged to help Sepa to assess water scarcity stress by reporting dry private water supplies and rivers and burns in their area – especially if there are photographs that will help show the conditions.
Distressed or dead fish or invertebrates, large numbers of dead plants on parts of the riverbed that are rarely exposed and a lot of exposed algae over 100s of metres, combined with very low flows are also important to know about.
Information can be sent to lowflowimpacts@sepa.org.uk.
