Water restrictions imposed in Scottish Borders after prolonged dry spell
Temporary restrictions on water use have now come into force in parts of the Scottish Borders after weeks of exceptionally dry weather.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has introduced limits on licensed water abstraction in the Whiteadder Water and Berwickshire catchments after river levels remained critically low for a month.
The measures affect 23 licences, most of them used by farmers for irrigation and livestock, and are designed to leave enough water in rivers to protect fish, wildlife and the wider environment.
The environment watchdog says it has been warning of the possibility since May and has been working with those affected throughout the summer.
The Lower Tweed is also among several areas being closely monitored and could face similar restrictions if conditions don't improve.
Last week we reported July flows at the Coldstream gauging station reaching the second lowest seen at the site since records began in 1971.
Since then SEPA has raised its water scarcity level from Alert to Significant.
While rain is forecast over the coming days, the agency says it will take sustained improvements in river levels before the restrictions can be lifted.
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Shona McConnell, SEPA's Head of Compliance, said: "At this point, the risk to aquatic life and the wider river environment becomes significant, which is why these temporary restrictions are now required.
"Our officers will be out in the affected catchments, working directly with licence holders to help them understand and comply with the temporary restrictions and answer any questions they may have."
"While some rain is forecast over the coming days, recovery depends on sustained improvements in river flows rather than rainfall on a single day.
"We’ll continue to monitor conditions closely and lift restrictions as soon as conditions allow."
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