The European Commission has published its latest implementation report on the Nitrate Directive. It shows only a slight improvement in agricultural nitrates pollution. The report concludes that nitrate levels in groundwater and surface freshwaters have “slightly improved” since 2008. Nitrates were still above 50 mg/l at over 13% of monitoring stations 2012-2015, compared to 14% during the four preceding years. The report also finds that the slightly positive trend in many regions contrasts with increased nitrate concentrations in others.  Malta, Spain and Germany are the most affected countries.

Access the Commission’s report here.