Food & Climate
The heatwaves and drought sweeping Europe and the world have pushed several Scottish rivers to approach to a critical level of water scarcity, and many areas, including the rest of the United Kingdom, have banned the use of hosepipes for watering gardens and washing cars.
The River Don and the Firth of Tay are among six areas experiencing “moderate” scarcity and are estimated to be around two weeks away from “significant” scarcity, according to a report seen by “Food & Climate” platform.
A number of other rivers, including the River’s Spey and Forth, are also being monitored carefully by the watchdog.
It is this third time this year that the Scottish rivers levels in the eastern have given Sepa cause for concern.
The driest start to the year in six decades
In May, the whole Scotland was placed under some level of water scarcity warning, after the driest start to the year in six decades.
In July, several weeks of high temperatures and little rain caused water scarcity levels to drop again.
On both occasions rainfall arrived just before regulatory action was required.
However, Scottish rivers flows in these areas have never fully recovered to normal, leaving them vulnerable to the current conditions, according to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa).
Eilidh Johnston, Sepa’s senior manager in water industry and rural economy, said a number of rivers remained under “sustained pressure”.
“Approaching significant scarcity for the third time this year in some areas highlights the vulnerability of eastern Scotland’s water environment,” she said.
Ironically, the warning by Sepa was issued just hours before heavy downpours caused flooding in Dundee and mudslides in Aberdeenshire.
The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms.
However, Sepa says the ground is often so dry that rainfall is running off rather than soaking into the ground.
Water scarcity is a situation where the demand for water exceeds the available supply, according to “AOL”.
Scottish rivers problem prompt calls for shorter shower times
In May, Scottish Water has warned customers to use supplies sparingly after the driest start to the year since 1964.
People should take shorter showers and avoid using hoses.
Scottish Water said Scotland had been using around an extra 150 million litres of water a day since the middle of April.
They estimate that reservoir levels in some parts are up to 10% lower than average.
Nathan Critchlow-Watton, head of environmental quality at Sepa, told BBC Scotland News: “All of Scotland from Shetland to the Borders is now experiencing some form of water scarcity.
He added that continued significant rainfall is required to return water levels to normal.
Guidance offered by Scottish Water includes taking shorter showers and turning the tap off when brushing teeth.
It recommends using washing machines and dishwashers only when fully loaded and using a bucket and sponge rather than a hose to wash cars.
Scottish Water said a large part of additional water use was in gardens.
People are advised to use a watering can instead of a garden hose and avoid using sprinklers.
Now, more than 8.5 million UK households are currently affected by hosepipe bans.
The last time a full hosepipe ban was implemented in Scotland was 1995.
A hosepipe ban, also known as a Temporary Use Ban, is a restriction on using hosepipes. They are imposed by water companies to try and save water during periods of high demand or low supply.
People living in areas where there is a ban are not allowed to use one to: Water a garden or plants, wash vehicles, paths, patios or windows, and fill a swimming pool, paddling pool or hot tub.
This is to ensure enough water is saved for drinking, those who are vulnerable and for essential use.
Anyone breaking these rules could be fined up to £1,000.
There are quite a few exemptions to hosepipe bans like:
People who are registered disabled, blue badge holders or on a water companies’ priority services register.