New alert system to warn Cupar residents of rising water levels and potential flood risk

The water level monitor, which has been introduced by Fife Council, will help warn and inform local residents of potential rising water levels at Skinners Steps which may become a flood risk.

The sensor on the Lady Burn at Skinner Steps allows water levels to be monitored in real time with alerts being issued by email when they reach an alert point.

This will give residents a warning of potential flooding and enable preparation for any impacts.

The move to install the sensor follows widespread flooding caused by the severe storm in December 2023, which affected homes, businesses and roads across Cupar.

The new alert system is part of steps being put in place to improve flood resilience within the community.

Flood sacks, which are a light weight alternative to traditional sandbags, are available to local residents from nearby flood pods and additional pods are being rolled out. The council said residents will be directed to the new pods’ location.

Councillor Jan Wincott, the council’s environment spokesperson, said: “Unfortunately, there are a number of areas in Fife, including Cupar where flooding events are becoming more common as the climate changes. Fife Council is committed to safeguarding communities and continues to invest in measures that reduce flood risk.

“This system provides local alerts when levels rise in the Lady Burn, giving local people the opportunity to prepare in case of flooding, giving them time to take action to protect themselves and their properties.

"We continue to work with communities to tackle flooding challenges, help residents be better prepared for these events and, where we can, put measures in place to reduce flooding risk”.

Residents in flood risk areas are being notified about the alert system and can now sign up for these alerts to get notice of rising water levels and help prepare for flooding.

Any residents or business owners who would like to receive alerts from the river level monitor, can email their request to [email protected] with their email address. Alternatively, please visit the local office, which can share information with the council’s flooding team.

The council stressed that rising water levels do not always mean flooding will occur and the new system is not a formal flood warning service.

Official flood warnings are issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Following the roll out at this location, Fife Council is reviewing additional locations across Fife to alert property owners about rising river levels.

The council also offer a grant up to £5000 to help residents and businesses purchase and install property flood resilience products to protect their properties. Further information can be found here