Water quality – essential information

Environment and climate
River through fields

Photo: Stephen Meese/istockphoto

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.

 

Keep up to date with the best practice

member exclusive
Event: watch again

Watch again: Eight actions to improve your soils

31 January 2023, 14:00

Read our real-world farmer stories

Check out the latest regulation guidance

Look at government advice and funding

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.

26% less manure nutrients since 1990 Nutrients are used more efficiently Soil N balances reduced by 36% since 1990 Soil P balances reduced by 52% since 1990
Nutrient inputs from manure have decreased

26% less manure nutrients since 1990 Nutrients are used more efficiently Soil N balances reduced by 36% since 1990 Soil P balances reduced by 52% since 1990

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

Since 2014 around 7,000 farmers have engaged in soil & water protection through CFE co-ordinators and events A recent CFE survey found: three-quarters of farmers have made changes to improve soil health and reduce runoff • 81% have buffer strips next to watercourses • 40% of respondents voluntarily utilise cover crops • 36% have fenced watercourses or ponds.
CFE’s role in water quality

Since 2014 around 7,000 farmers have engaged in soil & water protection through CFE co-ordinators and events A recent CFE survey found: three-quarters of farmers have made changes to improve soil health and reduce runoff • 81% have buffer strips next to watercourses • 40% of respondents voluntarily utilise cover crops • 36% have fenced watercourses or ponds.
Farmers have invested more than £182 million on farm infrastructure, match-funding CSF or Countryside Stewardship capital grants to improve water quality
Soil and water stewardship

Farmers have invested more than £182 million on farm infrastructure, match-funding CSF or Countryside Stewardship capital grants to improve water quality
42% less nitrogen fertiliser 69% less phosphate fertiliser But achieving similar crop yields
Fertiliser application rates have been decreasing since the 80’s

42% less nitrogen fertiliser 69% less phosphate fertiliser But achieving similar crop yields

CFE options that directly or indirectly benefit water cost farmers £53m in 2014/15
Farmers protect water voluntarily

CFE options that directly or indirectly benefit water cost farmers £53m in 2014/15
72% of the farmed area covered by nutrient management plans 82% of the farmed area covered by manure management plans
Farmers plan nutrient applications

72% of the farmed area covered by nutrient management plans 82% of the farmed area covered by manure management plans

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
Water Quality Infographic 2022
Water Quality Infographic 2022

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Water quality is an essential factor for maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment.

While agriculture plays a significant role in impacting water quality, efforts have been made in recent years by farmers and land managers to implement a range of best practices to reduce its impact on water quality.

These efforts include reducing the use of fertilisers and other chemicals, targeted pesticide applications, nutrient management plans, improving farm infrastructure, and promoting catchment-sensitive farming.

Our infographic looks at the improvements made by agriculture to reduce the impact on water quality.

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