Many water abstraction licences in some of Fife suspended due to 'worsening' water shortages

Most water abstraction licences in some parts of Fife are being suspended due to "worsening" water shortages.

It affects mid and northern areas of the Kingdom in the River Eden catchment amid groundwater levels becoming critical in eastern Scotland, with the suspension of the licences to try and protect the sustainability of local environments.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) says it's engaging directly with firms affected, insisting suspensions will be "for the minimum time necessary and will be lifted as soon as possible".

It warns that water scarcity, or shortages, are worsening while the dry and hot weather continues, with the water environment in the River Eden catchment reaching "significant scarcity" last week, the highest category for water scarcity.

Another part of Scotland in a similar situation is the Tweed catchment in the Borders.

The temporary suspension on water abstraction licences is being imposed from midnight on Saturday 13 August for the vast majority of farmers in the River Eden catchment to allow levels to recover.

SEPA says work is being done with the Scottish Government to assess the options around soft fruit production, which is a perennial crop and typically has more efficient irrigation methods and a lower water impact.

David Harley, SEPA's Interim Chief Officer Circular Economy, 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."

But Iain Brown from Easter Grangemuir Farm in Pittenweem and who is talking for NFU Scotland says growers are furious: