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

Picture of soil to promote the NFU Member virtual event on soil health
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

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

Get more information

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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 2025
Water Quality Infographic 2025

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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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