Research and analysis

Nitrates: challenges for the water environment

The problem of nitrates in the water environment, including sources and evidence. Current control measures, potential solutions and approaches.

From:
Environment Agency
Published
22 October 2021
Last updated
29 January 2025 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Nitrates: challenges for the water environment

ODT, 1.87 MB

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Details

This report describes:

  • an overview of the problem of nitrates in the water environment, including sources of nitrates and risks of deterioration
  • evidence gaps
  • current control mechanisms, with case studies
  • potential future solutions and approaches

Updates to this page

Published 22 October 2021
Last updated 29 January 2025 + show all updates

  1. Update to the nitrate narrative, including updates to some of the maps, charts and tables based on the latest round of reporting for the Nitrate Directive.

  2. First published.

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