Rivers and reservoirs at 'critical' level for supply

RESTRICTIONS on water use have been imposed in Scotland for the first time this year after prolonged dry weather has left rivers at critical level.

- John Glover

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said the catchment areas in North Fife and Ythan in Aberdeenshire have reached “significant” scarcity.

The restrictions come as forecasters predict heavy rain in the coming days as Scotland is lashed by the remnants of Hurricane Erin.

Sepa has imposed restrictions in the two areas on the amount of water that can be abstracted, through methods such as pumps and wells.

The agency said the restrictions, imposed on some farmers and businesses such as whisky distilleries, will be temporary and will be lifted as soon as conditions allow.

Restrictions