Water abstraction suspensions lifted in Scotland after recent rainfall, but licences suspended in the Borders

Support and compliance from Scottish farmers, coupled with recent rainfall, has led to water abstraction suspensions being lifted in the River Eden catchment in Fife.

River flows in the area have made some recovery after several days of wet weather and peaked on Monday. They have since slowly fallen again but still remain nearly two-and-a-half times higher than they were on Saturday, before abstraction ceased and the rainfall arrived.

However, in the Scottish Borders, the recent rainfall has not been enough to make up for longer-term deficits and recovery in the River Tweed. To prevent further stress and harm on the local water environment, SEPA has now imposed suspensions on water abstraction licences in parts of this catchment.

More prolonged dry weather is forecast and SEPA has stated it will continue to monitor conditions and take appropriate action until the risk of water scarcity has reduced.

As has been the case throughout this summer, the east of Scotland has been particularly affected by water scarcity with every area currently in Alert, Moderate Scarcity or Significant Scarcity. In order for water levels to return to Normal Conditions, the area would need to experience up to double the amount of rainfall usually seen in August.