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Nitrates Directive

The Nitrates Directive aims to reduce water pollution by nitrate from agricultural sources and to prevent such pollution occurring in the future

The directive requires Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government to identify surface or groundwaters that are, or could be high in nitrate from agricultural sources.

Nitrogen is one of the nutrients that can effect plant growth. Surface waters also have to be identified if too much nitrogen has caused a change in plant growth which affects existing plants and animals and the use of the water.

Once a water has been identified, all land draining to that water is designated as a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone. Within these zones, farmers must observe an action programme of measures which include restricting the timing and application of fertilisers and manure, and keeping accurate records.

In Wales only three per cent of land is designated as a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone, whereas more than half of England is designated.