Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) The official page for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). Our main role is to protect and improve the environment.

SEPA is Scotland’s environmental regulator and is responsible for protecting and improving Scotland's unique and beautiful environment. Our work makes Scotland a greener place to live and creates a sustainable legacy for future generations. We do this by being an excellent environmental regulator, helping business and industry to understand their environmental responsibilities, enabling customers

to comply with legislation and good practice and to realise the many economic benefits of good environmental practice. We protect communities by regulating activities that can cause harmful pollution and by monitoring the quality of Scotland's air, land and water. The regulations we implement also cover the keeping and use, and the accumulation and disposal, of radioactive substances.

Featured consultation now liveWe're seeking views on proposed changes to our approach to determining when a used vehicle...
12/08/2026

Featured consultation now live

We're seeking views on proposed changes to our approach to determining when a used vehicle is waste.

We want to understand the scale of any impact on operators who handle used vehicles, whether the proposed updates are feasible, and what timescales are achievable for implementing changes.

Your feedback will help shape our final guidance.

Have your say: consultation.sepa.org.uk/regulatory-services/consultation-on-proposals-to-update-guidance-on-wh/

12/08/2026

A very high wildfire warning is in place for Eastern Highlands, Eastern and Southern Scotland from today (Wednesday, 12 August) until Thursday, 13 August.

Everyone should avoid lighting outdoor fires or barbecues. A single spark can cause significant damage, and there is no such thing as a harmless fire.

You can help prevent the risk of wildfires by sharing this post with your family, friends, and any visitors or tourists.

If you see an outdoor fire, call 999 immediately. Give the location and any other relevant information so we can respond quickly.

Water scarcity develops over weeks and months, and a short burst of heavy rain isn't always enough to reverse it. Dry, h...
11/08/2026

Water scarcity develops over weeks and months, and a short burst of heavy rain isn't always enough to reverse it. Dry, hardened soil can cause rainfall to run off quickly, leading to flooding while longer-term water scarcity continues beneath the surface.

Stay informed about your local water conditions with the Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT): drought-risk-assessment-tool.sepa.org.uk

Precautionary advice against bathing at Saltcoats/Ardrossan has been removed.This follows confirmation from Scottish Wat...
11/08/2026

Precautionary advice against bathing at Saltcoats/Ardrossan has been removed.

This follows confirmation from Scottish Water that work to install an overland bypass pipeline near Saltcoats Pumping Station has been completed.

Following visual checks of the beach and water sampling by our officers, we have confirmed there is no current impact on water quality at Saltcoats/Ardrossan bathing water. Signage will be removed by North Ayrshire Council tomorrow and our website will return to making water quality predictions based on weather.

Read more: beta.sepa.scot/news/2026/removal-of-precautionary-advice-against-bathing-at-ardrossansaltcoats/

10/08/2026

Excellent. Good. Sufficient. Poor.

These bathing water classifications reflect monitored water quality based on four years of data and help people choose where to enjoy Scotland's waters with confidence.

Check your local bathing water's classification: sepa.org.uk/checkthewater

We’ve updated our live flooding information pages to make it easier for you to find timely flooding information.Bringing...
07/08/2026

We’ve updated our live flooding information pages to make it easier for you to find timely flooding information.

Bringing together flood warnings, forecasts and water level information, the new pages have been shaped by user feedback and designed to improve accessibility and navigation.

Take a look: floodline.sepa.org.uk/live-flood-information/

Scotland is experiencing two extremes this week, with Flood Alerts in some areas and Significant Scarcity continuing in ...
06/08/2026

Scotland is experiencing two extremes this week, with Flood Alerts in some areas and Significant Scarcity continuing in others.

Recent rain has improved conditions in several catchments, allowing restrictions on water abstractions to be lifted in some areas. However, the Lower Don, River Teviot and Ettrick Water remain in Significant Scarcity, and without sustained rainfall, parts of the Dee catchment could also deteriorate in the coming week.

Read the latest report: beta.sepa.scot/news/2026/flooding-and-water-scarcity-reflect-contrasting-conditions-across-scotland/

We have extended temporary restrictions on licensed water abstraction across parts of the Scottish Borders after the Riv...
05/08/2026

We have extended temporary restrictions on licensed water abstraction across parts of the Scottish Borders after the River Teviot and Ettrick Water reached Significant Water Scarcity.

The restrictions apply to further licences, primarily supporting agricultural activities, and follow measures already in place in the Lunan Water, Lower Don, North Fife and Fife (East Neuk) catchments.

While heavy rain is forecast in some areas, river and catchment conditions may not recover immediately. We will continue to monitor conditions closely and lift restrictions as soon as river flows recover.

Find out more: sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity

Regional flood alerts are in place as showers or longer spells of rain are likely over parts of the north and north east...
05/08/2026

Regional flood alerts are in place as showers or longer spells of rain are likely over parts of the north and north east of Scotland today.

Where the heaviest showers occur, there could be localised disruption including flooding from surface water of low lying land and roads, and travel disruption.

If you're heading out, please plan your journey and stay up to date with the latest information: sepa.org.uk/flooding

04/08/2026

Does your business rely on water?

Our weekly water scarcity reports show where water pressure may be increasing and what that could mean for you, helping you plan ahead before problems arise.

This short video explains the different water scarcity levels in plain terms and what action you might need to take.

Check out our water scarcity page and stay prepared: sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity

Address

Angus Smith Building, Unit 6, 4 Parklands Avenue, Holytown
Motherwell
ML14WQ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA):

Shortcuts

Share

Category