A water ban is set to come into force in parts of Scotland from midnight on Friday, due to increasing temperatures and drought levels throughout the east of the country.
Fife will be affected the most by the ban, with farmers and businesses unable to abstract water from local sources such as rivers and wells. SEPA, Scotland's environmental protection agency, have warned for several months that a ban could take place, as water scarcity levels reach an all time high.
Scotland has seen its driest summer in nearly 80 years, with a new record-breaking temperature of 34C being recorded in July. As well as Fife, the area in which the highest temperature was recorded, the Borders, will also be heavily affected by the incoming water ban.
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Farmers will be banned from extracting water from the River Eden in Fife, though special dispensation may be made for soft fruit growers in the kingdom. SEPA said low river flows will kill fish, invertebrates and plants if action is not taken immediately. It said some river populations, such as pearl mussels, could be ‘lost forever.’
Locals in Edinburgh also noticed various rivers within the Pentland Hills being the lowest they've ever seen. The Firth of Forth still remains at moderate risk of water scarcity, as detailed in SEPA's previous update at the end of July.
On their website, SEPA say: "Part of the Scottish Borders joins mid and north Fife in Significant level for water scarcity, with the water environment showing signs of stress, and prolonged below average rainfall set to continue. SEPA is engaging directly with businesses affected, advising suspensions will be for the minimum time necessary and will be lifted as soon as possible."
Water abstractions for most license holders in mid and north Fife will be suspended as river and groundwater levels become critical in the east of Scotland. The water environment in the River Eden catchment reached Significant Scarcity last week, the highest category for water scarcity defined by SEPA, and is getting worse with hot and dry weather continuing.
David Harley, Interim Chief Officer Circular Economy for SEPA, said: "Having to impose suspensions on water abstractions underlines the severity of the conditions being experienced in the east of Scotland this summer. It is not a step we take lightly, but the evidence is clear, and it is one we can no longer avoid.
"We’re working closely with Scottish farmers to ensure the sustainability of local water environments for all who rely on them. Without action, there is a substantial risk of impacts on fish populations, natural habitats and longer-term damage to watercourses.
"With climate change leading to water scarcity becoming a more regular occurrence, we are also working to help businesses plan longer-term for these conditions. We remain in continuous dialogue with sectors reliant on water and work with them all year round on ways to become more resilient, protecting the environment as well as their own operations."
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