Low water levels at the River Clyde

Low water levels at the River Clyde

All of Scotland is now experiencing water scarcity, with some areas approaching significant levels, environment agency Sepa has warned.

The River Dee and the Firth of Forth are among areas which are experiencing moderate scarcity expected to be upgraded to significant as the dry weather continues.

Scottish Water has warned customers to use supplies sparingly after the driest start to the year since 1964.

People should take shorter showers and avoid using hoses - though it stopped short of calling for a full hosepipe ban.

A number of areas, including Potterton near Aberdeen, Turnberry in South Ayrshire and Balfron in west Stirlingshire are having normal water supplies supplemented by tankers.

In Moray, borehole supplies from the River Spey are being boosted by pumping water directly from the river to maintain normal levels.

Scottish Water said Scotland had been using around an extra 150 million litres of water a day since the middle of April.

They estimate that reservoir levels in some parts are up to 10% lower than average.