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Protected areas

Information regarding water bodies designated as protected areas.

Information regarding water bodies designated as protected areas. A significant number of the water bodies in Scotland are designated as protected areas. This is because of their importance for special purposes such as wildlife conservation, drinking water supply, shellfish harvesting or bathing. These designated areas are vital to ensure that the diverse ecosystems and cultural and economic benefits contained within them are safeguarded. Protected areas are als

Aquatic Classification

There are a number of significant environmental problems caused by a number of pressures, including diffuse and point source pollution, alterations to beds, banks and shores, alterations to water levels and flows and the presence of invasive non-native species. In order to measure these pressures and their potential effects, we use an aquatic classification system which covers rivers, lochs, estuaries, coastal and groundwater bodies. These are split into management units called water bodies, with a classification produced for each body (the number of water bodies between years varies slightly, as some water body boundaries are reviewed to ensure that they can be managed appropriately).

There are a number of significant environmental problems caused by a number of pressures, including diffuse and point source pollution, alterations to beds, banks and shores, alterations to water levels and flows and the presence of invasive non-native species. In order to measure these pressures and their potential effects, we use an aquatic classification system which covers rivers, lochs, estuaries, coastal and groundwater bodies. These are split into management units called water bodies, with a classification produced for each body (the number of water bodies between years varies slightly, as some water body boundaries are reviewed to ensure that they can be managed appropriately). We produce an annual Water Framework Directive (WFD) Classification for all the water bodies in Scotland. Classification results for 2007 to the current year can be found on the Water Classification Hub. Most of our water environment is already in a good condition and subject to fewer pressures than most other European waters. However, there are significant environmental problems caused by a numbe

Actions to deliver RBMP

Information regarding the actions we are taking to protect and improve Scotland's water environment.

Information regarding the actions we are taking to protect and improve Scotland's water environment. Delivering the aims of RBMP requires partnership working with public bodies, industry and land managers to secure multiple benefits for the environment, economy and society. See Who’s involved in RBMP River basin planning is working to support Scotland's Environment Strategy aims to create a net zero, circular economy that reduces the global impact of our consumption. It is embedded in Our Approac

Risk of surface water flooding increases due to water scarcity

Water scarcity and flooding at the same time Very dry ground can act like concrete, which means rain quickly runs off without soaking in. This increases the risk of surface water flooding, especially if the rain is heavy. Dr Rob Thompson from University of Reading's Meteorology Department has shared a video on Twitter showing how long it can take water to soak into very dry ground. The latest F

Water scarcity in your area

Help us to assess water scarcity stress SEPA continually assesses the impacts of prolonged periods of drier than average weather on our environment. If dry weather continues, as we expect it will with climate change, the areas affected will grow. You can help us by reporting dry private water supplies and rivers and burns in your area. This will help us have the best possible understanding of the

Shellfish water protected areas

Legislation directs SEPA to assess and classify each shellfish protected area. To deliver this we work closely with Food Standards Scotland (FSS). FSS sample, analyse and report water quality in production areas throughout the year to ensure shellfish are safe for consumption, or determine if they require further treatment. At the end of each year FSS provide SEPA with this data who use it to clas

Bathing Waters

The Bathing Water Directive is concerned with the quality of bathing waters, including the sea, inland lochs and rivers. Water quality samples are taken at each bathing water throughout the bathing season EU water quality classifications are calculated at the end of the season and apply to each bathing water for the duration of the following season.

The Bathing Water Directive is concerned with the quality of bathing waters, including the sea, inland lochs and rivers. Water quality samples are taken at each bathing water throughout the bathing season EU water quality classifications are calculated at the end of the season and apply to each bathing water for the duration of the following season. Legislation directs SEPA to assess and classify each shellfish protected area. To deliver this we work closely with Food Standards Scotland (FSS). FSS sample, analyse and report water quality in production areas throughout the year to ensure shellfish are safe for consumption, or determine if they require further treatment. At the end of each year FSS provide SEPA with this data who use it to clas

Drought Risk Assessment Tool

Scottish Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT); Water scarcity risk assessment tool for Scotland

Scottish Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT); Water scarcity risk assessment tool for Scotland Legislation directs SEPA to assess and classify each shellfish protected area. To deliver this we work closely with Food Standards Scotland (FSS). FSS sample, analyse and report water quality in production areas throughout the year to ensure shellfish are safe for consumption, or determine if they require further treatment. At the end of each year FSS provide SEPA with this data who use it to clas

Water run-off from construction sites

We are now able to accept pre-application proposals, new applications, variations, transfers and surrenders. We would strongly encourage pre-application enquiries prior to submitting applications. Please submit these by email to waterpermitting@sepa.org.uk What should you do now? Email application forms along with supporting information to Registry Submit enquiries about General Binding Rules, ex

Previous classification schemes

Before the introduction of the Water Framework Directive, SEPA had a number of classification schemes which we used to report the status of Scotland's water environment.

Before the introduction of the Water Framework Directive, SEPA had a number of classification schemes which we used to report the status of Scotland's water environment. Before the introduction of the Water Framework Directive, SEPA had a number of classification schemes which we used to report the status of Scotland's water environment. Classification schemes Coastal water quality Estuarine water quality Loch water quality River water quality Water quality classification results 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 1996 - 2000 classifications River classification E

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