Water restrictions extended on Borders rivers despite recent rainfall

Temporary water restrictions have been extended across parts of the Scottish Borders despite recent heavy rain.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has imposed restrictions on licensed water abstraction from the River Teviot and Ettrick Water after both catchments reached Significant Water Scarcity following weeks of prolonged dry weather.

The measures affect licensed abstractors, primarily farmers and other businesses that take water directly from rivers under licence. In total, 48 licences are covered by the latest restrictions across the affected catchments.

SEPA says river flows in both the River Teviot and Ettrick Water have remained below critical levels for 30 consecutive days, meaning temporary restrictions are now needed to protect the rivers and the wildlife that depends on them.

But there is better news elsewhere in the Borders, with conditions on the River Tweed having improved.

Shona McConnell, SEPA's Head of Compliance, said: "It may seem surprising to be talking about water scarcity when heavy rain is falling, or Flood Alerts are in place. But the two can happen at the same time.

"River flows in the River Teviot and Ettrick Water have now remained below the recognised low-flow threshold for 30 consecutive days.

"At this point, temporary restrictions on licensed water abstraction are needed to protect rivers and the wildlife that depends on them."

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