Farming Sector Environmental Objectives: water quality
Published 22 October 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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1. Objective title
The farming sector and delivery partners will deliver a 32-39% reduction in nitrogen (32%), phosphorus (39%) and sediment (37%) input from agriculture into the water environment by 2038, from a 2018 baseline.
2. Objective overview
Clean water is essential for healthy ecosystems, human wellbeing, and economic activity. Agricultural activity plays a significant role in shaping water quality, as practices such as nutrient application, soil disturbance, and land drainage can contribute to nutrient runoff and soil erosion.
When not carefully managed, these processes can lead to pollution of rivers, lakes, and groundwater, affecting both the ecological condition of water bodies and their wider uses.
This objective aims to address agricultural pollution in the water environment through regulatory measures, agri‑environment schemes, and the adoption of technology and innovation.
3. Relevant targets and commitments
Environment Act 2021
The Environment Act 2021 sets a statutory target for water quality, stating:
- reduce total nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment entering the water environment from agricultural diffuse pollution by at least 40% by 31st December 2038, compared to a 2018 baseline.
Environmental Improvement Plan
In order to meet the statutory targets set under the Environment Act 2021, the Environmental Improvement Plan 2025 sets two interim targets for water quality:
-
reduce total nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution from agriculture to the water environment by at least 12% by December 2030, compared to 2018 levels
-
reduce total nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution from agriculture to the water environment by at least 18% in catchments containing protected sites in unfavourable condition due to nutrient pollution by December 2030
4. Delivery approach
In 2019, Project WT1594 was commissioned to better understand the delivery pathways for improved water quality. The report identified key routes for delivery, prioritising four main areas: regulatory compliance to address diffuse pollution, voluntary measures to reduce impacts, and changes in land use.
The report established a 2018 baseline for mitigation method uptake, which has been used as the baseline for this objective.
The potential contributions of agri-environment scheme actions to this objective are being reviewed. Following review, methods to quantify and report the contributions will be established and implemented into future updates.
5. Metadata
| Objective | Water Quality |
|---|---|
| Related commitments | Statutory water pollution reduction targets |
| Reporting status | In development |
| Contributing schemes | Undetermined |
| Aggregation method | Undetermined |
| Geographical scope | England |
| First reported | October 2026 |
| Last updated | October 2026 |