Water quality – essential information

Our range of resources, advice and guidance supporting the work that NFU members are doing out on their farms shows the difference we can all make to improve water quality on our land. We also highlight some of the common misconceptions around river pollution and farming.

On this page you can:

Water quality can be an emotive subject. Often members are spokespersons for water quality in their local area. This page has all the relevant facts that can help counteract any negative press there might be.

Testers wanted for Defra's nutrient management tool 

Defra has asked for volunteer farms to trial its new nutrient management tool. The new tool will be a replacement for Planet/MANNER-NPK and Defra is looking for arable, grassland and mixed farms to use the tool to create nutrient management plans and test the tool.

The trial will also involve short 1:1 interviews to share feedback. You don't need to have used Planet or MANNER-NPK before. If you are interested in joining this trial you can sign up online.

NFU brings together key players to address water pressures

The NFU has brought together key experts and groups from across the industry for a summit in July 2025 to address the significant challenges that continue to impact farmers’ ability to produce food for the nation with a focus on the critical issues of water quality and availability.

Read our report: Delivering sustainable water | A plan for British farming

Hear from NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos:

Check out the latest regulation guidance

Return to top

Look at government advice and funding

Find out about what grant funding opportunities there are to help with water quality.

Return to top

 

Share our water quality resources 

When you are talking to your local press or schools, use this bank of resources to get the key facts across.

46% less nitrogen fertiliser 81% less phosphate fertiliser But achieving similar crop yields
Fertiliser application rates have been decreasing since the 80s

46% less nitrogen fertiliser 81% less phosphate fertiliser But achieving similar crop yields

29% less manure nutrients since 1990 Nutrients are used more efficiently Soil N balances reduced by 40% since 1990 Soil P balances reduced by 92% since 1990
Nutrient inputs from manure have decreased

29% less manure nutrients since 1990 Nutrients are used more efficiently Soil N balances reduced by 40% since 1990 Soil P balances reduced by 92% since 1990

72% of the farmed area covered by nutrient management plans 80% of the farmed area covered by manure management plans
Farmers plan nutrient applications

72% of the farmed area covered by nutrient management plans 80% of the farmed area covered by manure management plans

2 million hectares of farmed land covered by Integrated Pest Management plans Pesticide stewardship is highly professional 20,000 pesticide users undertaking Continuing Professional Development with the National Register of Sprayer Operators 16,000 sprayers and application equipment undergo National Sprayer Testing Scheme tests
Pesticide use is highly targeted

2 million hectares of farmed land covered by Integrated Pest Management plans Pesticide stewardship is highly professional 20,000 pesticide users undertaking Continuing Professional Development with the National Register of Sprayer Operators 16,000 sprayers and application equipment undergo National Sprayer Testing Scheme tests

4-12% average reduction in pollutant losses Farmers have implemented 60% of measures recommended by CSF Almost 20,000 farm holdings have received CSF advice
Catchment Sensitive Farming reduces agricultural pollution

4-12% average reduction in pollutant losses Farmers have implemented 60% of measures recommended by CSF Almost 20,000 farm holdings have received CSF advice
Over 850,000 hectares of farmed land are now under actions which are explictly targeted at water quality • 1,140,000 metres of ditches are being managed for water quality • 2,600 ponds are being managed for water quality • 3,200 farmers have reviewed their nutrient managament.
Increasing uptake of the Sustainable Farming Incentive

Over 850,000 hectares of farmed land are now under actions which are explictly targeted at water quality • 1,140,000 metres of ditches are being managed for water quality • 2,600 ponds are being managed for water quality • 3,200 farmers have reviewed their nutrient managament.

Return to top

Latest news

Sort

Water reservoirs – advice and support

NVZ grassland derogation application 2026

Farming Rules for Water – what you need to know

member exclusive

Updated water quality rules – what do they mean for farmers?

member exclusive
Consultation

Strategic management of water in England and Wales – report published

Closed 23 April 2025

How SFI can help improve water quality on farm

Farmer story

Reducing phosphate levels in the River Stour

NFU responds to review of key water quality guidance

TIAH launches online nutrient management course

NVZ closed periods – key dates and guidance