Image description: ancient Clapper bridge over the river Avon in Dartmoor national park. Image by  Ben Wrigley on Unsplash

New, clearer rules proposed on Tuesday 27 January will help to improve water quality, reduce pollution in our rivers and give farmers the confidence to grow food sustainably, the UK Government says.

41% of England’s rivers, lakes and streams are currently affected by agricultural pollution, and they will get stronger protection under new proposals to increase oversight on sewage sludge spreading.

A consultation launched today proposes tighter controls on spreading sewage sludge on farmland, including options to bring it under the Environmental Permitting Regulations, to better protect human health and the environment from harmful contaminants.

At the same time, existing agricultural water rules will be simplified, cutting unnecessary duplication and complexity and making it easier for farmers to understand and follow the rules.

The measures form an important part of delivering the government’s Environmental Improvement Plan, reducing ammonia emissions from farming, and the Water White Paper – a major overhaul of how England’s water system is regulated and managed.

Water Minister Emma Hardy and Farming Minister Angela Eagle set out the plans at a roundtable with key farming, water and environmental stakeholders today as part of the government’s plan to transform Britain’s water system.

Water Minister Emma Hardy said:

By setting clearer guidelines and providing better support, we’re making it simpler for farmers to meet standards, farm sustainably and protect our environment.