Another dry week has led to a further decline in water resources across the country.

North Ayrshire remains in 'Moderate Scarcity', with more Southern parts of Scol returning to Alert level.

Ground conditions have steadily become drier over the past three weeks and soil conditions are now very dry around many coastal regions.

Some rainfall is expected in most regions this week but it is unlikely to be sufficient to lead to any long-term recovery.

A significant rainfall deficit has built up this Summer which will take a long time to offset.

In other parts of Scotland, Wick remains at 'Significant Scarcity' for the seventh consecutive week. Thurso and Orkney are still at 'Moderate Scarcity'.

Several areas in the Highlands have been raised to 'Early Warning'. The Ythan catchment has also raised to Moderate Scarcity.

SEPA is responsible for the forecast, monitoring, and reporting of the situation facing Scotland’s water resources and produces a report between May and September. 

Advice for water users

Scottish Water is asking customers to use water wisely in and around their homes. More information can be found on the Scottish Water website
Farmers and Managers of golf courses irrigating in the Alert and Moderate areas are urged, especially if taking water from burns and small rivers, to:

• Only irrigate when, and only as much as, absolutely necessary.

• Make sure irrigation equipment isn’t leaking.

• Try to irrigate at night to reduce evaporation losses.

• Explore how you and your neighbours in the same river catchment could avoid irrigating at the same time.

 • Consider whether you could switch to using groundwater rather than river water if conditions worsen.

If you would need a new borehole to do this, your local SEPA office will be able to help and advise.

Current forecasts suggest an unsettled period is possible later in September with a return to drier conditions following that.

However, confidence in the forecast is relatively low at this time of year. At a seasonal timescale, models suggest that Autumn is more likely to be dry than wet, with more than double the chance of higher than average temperatures.

You can help SEPA by reporting any evidence you see of water scarcity. For details of the information that would be useful to us and where to send it see: Water scarcity in your area | Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).