Catchment-Sensitive Farming: Tackling Diffuse Water Pollution from Agriculture in England —Policies and Drivers - Water and Agriculture: Sustainability, Markets and Policies - page 262

Scottish Highlands and Islands. The greatest ecological change is found in lowland
regions in Northern Ireland and England, where nutrient concentrations are often well in
excess of background levels (Defra 2004a).
Catchment-Sensitive Farming and UK priorities for water and agriculture
The UK is looking to achieve reductions in diffuse water pollution from agriculture
(DWPA) by promoting Catchment-Sensitive Farming (CSF). CSF is about managing
land in a way that is sensitive to the ecological health of the connected water
environments and helping the industry to work toward sustainability.
Governments' priorities for water in England over the longer term are:
protecting the countryside and natural resource protection. This includes:
prudent use of water resources and keeping its use within the limits of its
replenishment;
achieving better integration between water and other policies and between
different aspects of water policy.
emergency preparedness - developing, setting and overseeing delivery for reservoir
safety. Continuing to take steps to protect our drinking water from accidental or
deliberate contamination.
UK's water policies are grounded in the Government's commitment to sustainable
development, covering economic, environmental and social aspects. Key aspects of this
relevant to water quality include:
enabling viable livelihoods to be made from sustainable land management, both through
the market and through payments for public benefits
respecting and operating within the biological limits of natural resources (especially
soil, water and biodiversity)
achieving consistently high standards of environmental performance by reducing energy
consumption, by minimising resource inputs, and using renewable energy wherever
possible.
Achieving reductions in DWPA by promoting CSF is a key component of delivering this
commitment.
Drivers for Catchment-Sensitive Farming
Many of the important aquatic plant and animal species in England need low levels of
nutrients and silt to flourish. In addition to their conservation value, healthy and robust
river systems provide many direct benefits, including clean drinking water, safe bathing
water, healthy fisheries, reduced flood risk and an improved living environment. Good
water quality also encourages recreation and tourism, contributing to use of the
countryside and the viability of rural businesses. These are all key drivers for tackling
diffuse water pollution from agricultural (DWPA).