Evidence of the non-agricultural diffuse pollution of water
Research
Defra has commissioned a literature review of published information on non-agricultural sources of diffuse pollution. This information is intended to strengthen the evidence base to support measures to tackle non-agricultural diffuse pollution under the Water Framework Directive. We have produced a substance and impacts matrix that provides details of existing research in this area.
- Substance and impacts matrix [Microsoft Office Excel, 2.4MB]
Non-agricultural diffuse pollution covers a broad range of both sources and contaminants. In order to fulfil our obligations under the Water Framework Directive, it will be necessary to prioritise those areas which are considered to pose the greatest risk to water quality. The non-agricultural diffuse pollution steering group, which was set up by Defra to consider measures for England and Wales, has identified five priority areas for action. Those five areas are: industry, transport, abandoned mines, sewage and sediment.
The choice of priority areas were the subject of a public consultation in early 2007.
The consultation also suggested some broad options for possible mechanisms to tackle non-agricultural diffuse water pollution. Defra will continue to further strengthen the evidence base to support the development of mechanisms with a view to carrying out a second public consultation on specific mechanisms.
One mechanism which may contribute to a reduction in contaminants originating from non-agricultural sources is Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS). However, there remain obstacles to the take up of SUDS schemes and these are primarily related to the linked areas of adoption and the funding of long-term maintenance. Defra commissioned a report to examine the funding of various options for ownership and adoption which will inform a public consultation exercise anticipated in 2008.
If you have any comments or have any information which will be of use in the development of this evidence base, please contact:
Catherine Pike
Water Quality Division
Defra
55 Whitehall
c/o 3-8 Whitehall Place
London,
SW1A 2HH
Email: catherine.pike@defra.gsi.gov.uk
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Page last modified:
18 September 2007
Page published: 30 September 2004