Pollution from Rural Areas

Yorkshire has a proud tradition of farming. The area supports a wide variety of agriculture, with mainly arable production in the Vale of York, mixed farming, beef and sheep production in the lower Dales, extensive hill sheep grazing on the uplands, and its famous dairy industry in Wensleydale.

Agricultural Pollution and River Health

Agricultural land management is a major source of point source and diffuse water pollution. Sediment from livestock trampling, bare arable fields and compacted unhealthy soils washes into rivers, smothering fish eggs and harming fisheries.

The majority of farmers work hard to comply with farming regulations to look after the environment alongside producing food for the nation. Despite this, there is still a risk of agricultural activities leading to water pollution.

Nutrient Runoff and Chemicals

Phosphate and nitrate from fertilisers and organic manures cause algal blooms, depleting oxygen and damaging aquatic life. Pesticides, sheep dip, and bacteria from livestock further reduce water quality.

Impacts on Drinking Water

Both surface water and groundwater can become contaminated by pollutants from agricultural runoff. Certain pesticides are particularly persistent and difficult to remove during water treatment. In addition, peaty soils release natural organic matter that can discolor water and increase treatment costs, which may lead to higher household water bills.

The Ongoing Challenge

Tackling agricultural runoff and promoting sustainable catchment management is key to restoring healthy rivers and protecting water resources for the future.

Farmers are already doing much to help solve these problems, with many working closely with agricultural advisors, accessing different funding schemes for the benefit of their business and the wider environment.

For example, those entering Natural England’s Countryside Stewardship scheme are paid a contribution for working their land in a way that benefits the environment. There are grants and advice available under this scheme for Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF). CSF encourages farmers to take measures to reduce runoff from their land, including bankside fencing to exclude livestock, sediment traps and better separation of clean and dirty water.

Surface run-off from arable field

Farmers are already doing much to help solve these problems.

Many have entered Natural England’s Countryside Stewardship scheme and are paid a contribution for working their land in a way that benefits the environment. There are grants and advice available under this scheme for Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF). CSF encourages farmers to take measures to reduce runoff from their land. This includes bankside fencing to exclude livestock, sediment traps and better separation of clean and dirty water.

The industry-led ‘Campaign for the Farmed Environment’ has championed stewardship schemes to protect watercourses, especially in the Swale catchment.