1. WFD & Agriculture – Article 5
River basin characterisation:
analysis of characteristics of water environment
review of impact of human activity
- pressures
- assessment of risk of water bodies failing WFD
targets or objectives by 2015
economic analysis of water use

2. WFD & Agriculture – Article 5
England & Wales:
11 river basin districts

3. WFD & Agriculture – Article 5
data gathering on a variety of pressures (including agriculture)
estimate of quality objectives
assessment of whether likely to be achieved by 2015
Map: Surface water bodies at risk from diffuse source pressures

4. WFD & Agriculture – Article 5
Water bodies at risk of not achieving WFD objectives by 2015 (all pressures):
Rivers: 92.7%
Lakes: 84%
Estuaries: 98.5%
Coastal Waters: 84.8%
Groundwater: 75.3%
Note: numbers are split between “definitely at risk” and “probably at risk”. At risk does not mean certain failure!

5. WFD & Agriculture – Article 5
Pressure from diffuse sources:
80% of rivers, 50% of lakes,
25% of estuaries and coasts,
75% of groundwaters

6. WFD & Agriculture – Article 5
Pressure from diffuse sources (cont’d):
Nutrients such as nitrogen (mainly from agriculture) - 40% of rivers, 20% of estuaries, 50% of groundwaters being at risk
Phosphorus - 50% of rivers, 25% of lakes at risk
Agricultural pesticides & sheep dip – 20% of
rivers and groundwaters

7. WFD & Agriculture – Article 5
Other pressures:
Abstraction & Flow Regulation
10% of rivers, 14% of estuaries
26% of groundwaters
Physical alterations
80-90% of coastal waters and estuaries
50% of rivers, 60% of lakes

8. WFD & Agriculture – Article 5
Conclusion:
Diffuse sources of pollution are a serious concern
Key risk to meeting the WFD target to achieve good chemical & ecological status in all water bodies by 2015
Agriculture is a major contributor to diffuse pollution

9. WFD & Agriculture – Article 5
Next Steps:
Knowing the extent of the problem….
Exploring policy options
Working with stakeholders

10. WFD & Agriculture – Article 5
Current action:
encouraging voluntary action by farmers
utilising CAP reform and Stewardship