The UK’s rivers are in a dire state. Only 14 per cent are in good ecological condition. While the government has made cleaning these up a political priority, so far it has largely focused on sewage pollution, ignoring half the problem.

The government cannot afford to keep ignoring water pollution from agriculture which is responsible for 40 per cent of rivers failing to meet good ecological status. Whilst the investment needed in sewage pollution will take time to build, the route to cleaner rivers by the next election lies in tackling pollution from agriculture.

This briefing outlines ten policies, ranging from immediately implementable to more long-term, that the government can put in place to work with farmers to reduce water pollution from agriculture. By raising investment from those profiting most from the current system, this set of policies are cost neutral to the taxpayer, and ensure that farmers already struggling against slim margins are better supported. Taken together, this package could enable to government to demonstrate rapid progress on this important issue.

For more information, contact:
Lydia Collas, head of natural environment: lcollas@green-alliance.org.uk