Drinking water quality hit by farm activities

The quality of drinking water in “high-status” rivers and lakes has dropped dramatically in recent years.

Traditional farm activities such as field drainage, the use of fertilisers and pesticides, and overgrazing are being cited as contributory factors.

Forestry, wind farms, and one-off housing also threaten natural water sources, while septic tank discharges and accidental releases of pollutants are other key factors.