Scotland’s Environment Protection Agency, SEPA, has warned that despite intermittent wet spells, most of the country has recorded below-average rainfall over winter following a particularly dry autumn.
With December and the start of January experiencing brief periods of heavy rain and flooding from Storm Darragh and Storm Éowyn, this was quickly followed by a drier than usual rest of January and February.
The Met Office has reported that rainfall in the far north of Scotland was exceptionally low during February, with Orkney receiving just 34% of its typical rainfall, Sutherland 37% and Shetland just 40%.
The lack of rainfall seen during the winter period poses potential challenges for Scotland’s water resources with the coming spring and summer now relying on an above average rainfall to replenish the low groundwater levels. Groundwater levels are key indicators of Scotland’s water reserves, replenishing through winter rainfall but often depleting during summer when demand for water increases.
Without above average rainfall over spring and summer there is a greater risk of water scarcity, particularly in areas that are already experiencing low groundwater levels. Continued drier weather can disrupt agricultural activities, strain local water supplies and impact industries that depend on consistent water availability. Prolonged water scarcity can also impact local ecosystems, lowering water quality and place additional pressure on native flora and fauna.
Claire Tunaley, Senior Hydrologist – Water Resources Unit, SEPA said:
“While some people may be surprised, given the heavy rain and flooding we saw over Hogmanay, the broader picture is one of persistent dryness with many areas seeing below average rainfall over the past several months. Groundwater levels are normal to low for the time of year, with particularly low values recorded in Fife, Angus and Dumfries. In Fife the groundwater levels recorded are similar to, or even lower than, those seen in February 2022 – a year that saw drought conditions that summer.
“As part of our commitment to helping Scotland become more climate resilient, we’ll continue to monitor the situation closely. Seasonal reporting will begin in May, providing weekly updates on conditions to ensure businesses can prepare for any potential challenges ahead.”
In light of these challenges, SEPA urges all those individuals and businesses who are licensed to extract water from a surface or underground water source to take steps now to enhance their water resilience and to mitigate the impact of extended dry conditions and safeguard Scotland’s water.
