Dumfries and Galloway river levels continue recovery after prolonged dry spell
One river has been lowered to 'alert level' and four others have now been given 'early warning' status by SEPA.
River levels in Dumfries and Galloway are continuing their recovery following the prolonged dry spell.
The catchment for the Esk has been lowered from 'moderate scarcity' to 'alert' level on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's warning system.
And the Annan, Nith, Dee and Cree catchments have now been moved to 'early warning' – the lowest rating – after SEPA noted widespread improvements in the west thanks to rain.
The environment watchdog monitors river levels using its drought risk assessment tool to measure river flow data from gauging stations across the country. This information is then combined with data from rainfall gauges, Met Office forecasts, soil moisture data and fieldwork by SEPA staff.
If river flows at a monitoring station fall below a critical level for 90 days or more, the area is classed as at significant water scarcity.
SEPA's senior manager in water industry and rural economy, Eilidh Johnston, said: 'SEPA has a clear duty to protect Scotland's rivers and water environment, not just today but for the future. When conditions reach the point where any further reduction in flow would risk damage to the environment, we must act.
'We know that water is vital for people, farms and businesses, which is why we've been working so closely with abstractors and membership bodies to provide information about how the water scarcity situation has been developing in recent weeks.
But when river levels fall too low for too long, we must act to prevent long-term harm to the environment and future supplies.
Any regulatory action we take is based on robust evidence-based assessments, using up-to-date scientific data and hydrological analysis. That includes measured river levels, rainfall records, soil moisture and weather forecasts – as well as insights from our field staff.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
'If restrictions are necessary, they will be targeted, time-limited and lifted as soon as the conditions allow. We want to support Scotland's water resilience, and we make our decisions based on science and hard facts.
"That's what powers Scotland's National Water Scarcity Plan and our weekly assessments. This is a coordinated, evidence-driven response to serious environmental pressure.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
14 hours ago
- Daily Record
Sunseekers warned over £1K fine for binning their litter this weekend
The weekend weather means parks and beaches will be rammed with people enjoying the sunshine - but you could be fined for trying to be clear up behind yourself With the weekend looking to be a hot one, thousands of people will head to parks and beaches to take advantage of the weather. But sunseekers have been given a warning over using public bins for their litter. With busy beauty spots a certainty, bins could also be overflowing. And trying to use ones that are already loaded with rubbish could lead to fines of up to £1k for fly tipping, experts have warned. While It may seem tempting to place litter next to or on top of the bin, this could be a costly mistake. Anything placed outside of the bin itself is technically classed as fly tipping. This can be prosecuted with fines of up to £1000 for a fixed penalty notice, according to The most common punishment is a smaller fine for first-time offences, and usually you'll be offered a discount if you pay early. What should you do instead? Look nearby to see if there are any alternative public bins in the area that aren't already full. If you can't find one, take your waste home and dispose of it in your own bin. It can be helpful to also report full bins to the council, so they're aware of the issue, can arrange a collection, and look to provide more frequent collections during hot weather. Why are overflowing bins an issue? Overflowing bins can result in litter being spread across areas, leading to it ending up in our streets, parks, rivers and other waterways. Alongside this, it can attract wildlife and pests, which may scavenge in bins, tearing open bags and scattering rubbish. Rotting food can also attract pests like rats, flies, and seagulls, who may carry diseases and create a public health risk. It also releases foul smells and looks unsightly in your local area, affecting yourself, local businesses and tourists. Not only this, but these clean-up costs add extra pressure on council teams, and increased spending on services like this usually finds its way back to the taxpayer. Graham Matthews, waste collection expert at said: "We're very lucky in the UK to have plenty of green spaces to head out and enjoy the good weather while it lasts, but any litter you create is ultimately your own responsibility. "While the council may look to ensure popular areas have a good provision of public bins, they can easily become overwhelmed during busy periods. 'To look after the environment around us and ensure these places remain as beauty spots we want to enjoy, it's vital that each person takes accountability. "Don't add to the issue of overflowing bins as you're contributing to environmental harm and potentially spoiling the beauty spot for yourself and others.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Record
16 hours ago
- Daily Record
This one thing can 'make a big difference' in cooling your dogs this summer
With temperatures set to pass 30C in some parts of the UK this weekend, dog owners are being urged to watch for signs of heat exhaustion With temperatures soaring to 30C across parts of the UK this week, dog owners are being urged to take extra care of their furry friends in the heat. Canine expert Yasmin El-Saie has shared some timely advice to help prevent dogs from suffering in the sweltering weather. And, according to Yasmin, it all starts with grooming. She explained: 'Regular grooming plays a crucial role in keeping dogs cool. "Brushing helps remove loose fur and promotes airflow across the skin. This is especially important for thick-coated breeds who can overheat more easily.' She added: 'Keeping that grooming appointment, or regular brushing at home, can make a big difference in heat regulation.' While it might seem like common sense, Yasmin stressed that one of the biggest mistakes owners can make is walking their dogs in the midday sun, The Express reports. 'Dogs can't sweat like humans,' she said, 'so it's our responsibility to look after them.' She strongly recommends sticking to early mornings or later evenings for walks, when the air is cooler and safer for your pet. And while dogs might love the chance to cool off in a river or splash around in the sea, Yasmin cautioned owners to be mindful after swim time. 'Saltwater can irritate your dog's skin and paws,' she said, advising a rinse with fresh water afterwards to avoid any irritation. 'Canines have very few sweat glands, and they're mainly located in their paw pads – playing a minor role in cooling. "That means they rely heavily on panting to lower their body temperature, which makes them far more vulnerable to heat stress and even heatstroke." Alongside regular brushing, Yasmin recommends investing in a dog cooling coat, a handy tool to help beat the heat. She said: 'These specially designed garments are soaked in water, then wrung out before being worn. 'As the moisture evaporates, it draws heat away from your dog's body. Cooling coats are especially helpful for flat-faced breeds like bulldogs and pugs who struggle more in hot conditions.' With the mercury rising, these practical tips could go a long way in keeping our four-legged friends safe, cool and happy this summer. But heat isn't the only seasonal hazard. With summer here and more people spending time in their gardens, pet experts are also warning dog owners to be cautious of common household and garden items. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Curious dogs might try to nibble things they shouldn't, and products like fertilisers, pesticides and slug pellets can pose serious health risks. Fertilisers, especially freshly applied granules, can be dangerous if ingested, while pesticides, whether dry or wet, may irritate the skin and digestive system. Snail and slug bait is especially toxic and, if eaten, can cause severe tremors and require immediate veterinary care. As always, prevention is key. Keeping harmful substances well out of reach and closely monitoring your dog outdoors can help ensure a safe and relaxing summer for everyone.
Daily Record
19 hours ago
- Daily Record
Urgent slide warning issued to parents as temperatures heat up
Popular play items should be checked before children use, say experts. With the sunshine finally making an appearance again in Scotland this weekend, families are likely to be spending more time outside. The Met Office's UK temperature map shows the country's major cities sitting in the mid 20s for most of the weekend, making it the hottest temperatures we've seen so far this year However, as the heat rises, experts at Outdoor Toys are warning parents to inspect play equipment as prolonged sun exposure can cause damage and affect safety. Alex Price, product manager at Outdoor Toys, said: "Slides are a garden staple in warmer weather, but over time, repeated sun exposure can cause plastics, especially cheaper ones, to become brittle, chalky, or cracked. "This not only affects how the slide looks, but can lead to sharp edges or structural weaknesses that put children at real risk of injury.' Cracks and weakened areas can catch on loose clothing, scratch skin, or, in worst cases, lead to equipment failure. To prevent any unwanted injuries and hospital trips, Alex advises parents to inspect slides regularly. He added: "Before each use, run your hands along the sliding surface and sides. Check for any signs of fatigue, such as cracks, fading, warping, or signs that the plastic feels brittle. "Make sure all bolts are tight and the equipment feels sturdy. If anything seems off, it's best to stop using it and contact the manufacturer.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Alex said cheaper toys without protection are more likely to show signs of wear and tear. He added: "If your slide or swing set looks faded or chalky, it could be a sign the plastic is starting to break down, and may no longer be safe to use.' Parents are also advised to check the safety of their trampoline before use. Each year there are reportedly 13,000 hospital visits caused by trampoline injuries, highlighting how important it is to make sure they are safe before children start bouncing. Alex added: 'Over time, exposure to the elements can cause trampolines to deteriorate in ways that aren't always obvious. "Springs may weaken or rust, mats can develop hidden weaknesses, and loose bolts can make the frame unstable. A thorough safety check before use is essential, replacing any faulty parts to prevent accidents. While rips in the mat are easy to spot, damaged springs are often overlooked due to their durable nature. "However, they can weaken over time, and even one damaged spring, whether corroded, overstretched, or loose, can affect the trampolines stability and put your child at serious risk. "Check carefully for any rust, weakened tension, or loose attachments, as these issues may not be immediately obvious. If in doubt, it's always recommended to immediately replace any of the springs that appear to be affected by rust or loss of tension before use.'
