SEPA issues ‘early warning’ for water scarcity in Shetland after lower than average rainfall

On 13 September, the Shetland Times reported ‘In the past two Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) weekly water scarcity reports, Shetland was given an early warning due to lower than average rainfall in the last 30 days.’

The brief article continues: "‘Over the last 6 months, however, the isles were found to have been wetter than average.

The rest of the Highlands and Islands have generally returned average statistics, while the worst results have been seen in the Grampian, Central, and Lothian regions with a mix of “alert”, “moderate scarcity”, and “significant scarcity” ratings.

Those areas of significant scarcity - Stonehaven, North Esk, and Fife - have seen Sepa issue “temporary restrictions on some licences to abstract water from the environment”. The report said that “significant further rain will be needed for widespread recovery.”’