Evidence review of water quality for NVZ assessment

Background The Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) aims to protect water quality by preventing nitrogenous compounds from agricultural sources polluting ground and surface waters and by promoting the use of good farming practices. The EA is required under the terms of this Directive to identify waters which are or could become polluted by nitrogenous compounds and to designate these waters and all land draining to them as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs). Farmers in designated areas must follow an Action Programme to re...