Nitrates - reducing water pollution from agriculture
Nitrate levels in many English waters, both ground and surface waters, either remain high or are increasing. Nitrate pollution is of concern because it has to be removed before water can be supplied to consumers, and it can harm the water environment. Over 60% of nitrate enters water from agricultural land.
The following pages provide details of action to reduce agricultural nitrate pollution, which is one aspect of the broader problem of diffuse pollution from agriculture.
News
21 August 2007 – Three consultations launched on diffuse water pollution from agriculture:
- Implementing the Nitrates Directive in England
- Revised Code of Good Agricultural Practice to protect water, soil and air quality
- Protection against water pollution from agriculture, diffuse sources
An overview of all three consultations is provided in this explanatory leaflet (PDF 400 KB)
A more detailed summary leaflet (PDF 90 KB) has also been produced covering just the Nitrates consultation.
These consultations are now closed. Defra is currently analysing the comments received in response to the consultation and intends to publish a summary report of this analysis on the Defra website in early 2008.
Implementating the Nitrates Directive
Information on action taken to date to implement the Nitrates Directive in England is provided in the following pages:
- Diffuse water pollution from agriculture
The Nitrates Directive in England
- Nitrates Directive requirements and future implementation in England
Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in England
- Maps - Summary and detailed field boundary maps of NVZs.
- Methodology - Description of the methodology used to identify NVZs
- Why am I in a NVZ?
Action Programmes measures in England
- What are farmers in NVZs required to do ?
- Enforcement
- Guidance, advice and support available to farmers in NVZs
- Helplines - who to contact for further information
- Answers to frequently asked questions.
- A range of guidance, advice and other relevant material
Page last modified: 27 December 2007
Page published: 27 June 2002