Weeks of dry weather sees public water levels plunge

WATER LEVELS in some parts of Scotland have plunged 22% below where they should be at this time of year.

- By Paul Drury

In addition, the country's environment agency is warning that some rivers are nearing "critically low" levels, potentially leading to restrictions for businesses by the end of August.

Earlier this year, water chiefs warned that only a wetter-than-average spring and summer would save the country from serious drought.

But the past two seasons have been notable for extreme heat and low rainfall, which have led to diminishing supplies in rivers and reservoirs.

Scottish Water says available stocks of public water in the east of the country are now standing at 59% of capacity when they should be at 81%.