RESIDENTS and businesses in Dumfries and Galloway are being urged to take early action to conserve water, as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) reports emerging signs of water scarcity across Scotland.
In their recent Water Situation Update, SEPA highlighted that March brought below-average rainfall to most of the country, with some southern areas recording less than a third of the expected rainfall for the month.
This trend follows a concerning pattern first outlined in the agency’s Winter Water Situation Report 2025.
The consequences of the dry spell are already apparent. River flows are running low to extremely low for this time of year, and groundwater levels are continuing to decline from a lack of winter recharge. These levels are even lower than those recorded in early April 2022, a year that later saw summer droughts and restrictions on water abstraction from rivers in some areas.
Climate experts say prolonged dry periods are becoming more common, increasing the risk of water scarcity. SEPA has made climate resilience a top priority in its three-year corporate plan, helping businesses and residents prepare for a new normal.
Spokesman Kenny Boag said: “We’ll continue to work closely with Scottish Government, businesses and key stakeholders – including the agricultural sector, industry and Scottish Water – over the coming months to monitor water levels, manage resources sustainably, support adaptation measures and ensure the correct balance is struck between protecting the environment and providing resources for human and economic activity.”
SEPA will follow the situation closely, with weekly water scarcity reports beginning in May to prepare all for the coming summer months.
Go to SEPA’s website for continued water situation updates or guidance to conserve water.
