Water pollution, such as sewage and industrial effluent, is normally easy to monitor as it generally arises from a single source. Diffuse water pollution, however, arises from many sources. Run off from transport, urban activities, discharges from contaminated land, nutrients, pesticides and sediment from farming all contribute to diffuse pollution. Polluted water affects us all, leading to increased water and sewerage bills as pollutants have to be removed, less wildlife and fish in our rivers and less opportunity to enjoy them.

Agriculture is one of the main sources of diffuse water pollution. It is only by working with landowners and farmers to ensure management of the land in a way that is sensitive to the ecological health of the water environment that we will reduce this pressure. The diffuse pollution of water is a widespread problem and action to tackle it is required throughout England. However, in order to determine what type of action is best, it is important to know the extent to which different sources of diffuse pollution impact upon water quality and where, when and how they impact. Everyday agricultural activities have a huge impact on the amount of nutrients and pesticides reaching watercourses. Spraying, muck spreading, field cultivation, machinery movement and field drainage all contribute to how much sediment, nitrate, phosphate and faecal matter enters rivers and streams. However, it is often simple and cheap to address any problems and help improve water quality and the profitability of the farm.