Population

The majority of the catchment population lies within the City of Aberdeen (population approximately 220,000). Outwith the city, settlements in the catchment are small, and are concentrated around the river and in the lowlands . Between Aboyne and Aberdeen the river flows through mainly agricultural land and human population density increases due to the larger residential centres, such as Aboyne and Banchory.

The River Dee and its tributaries are a valuable water resource for the populations of Deeside. The catchment’s waters are used for light industry and agriculture, and also receive discharges of effluent. The catchment is faced with growing pressures as local populations increase.