SECTION I WATER QUALITY AND AGRICULTURAL PRESSURES: STATUS AND TRENDS

Figure 1. Fertilizer consumption in the EU 27 in million tonnes (Source: Fertilizers Europe).

Figure 2. Groundwater station density.

Figure 3. Groundwater sampling frequency per year.

Figure 4. Fresh surface water station density.

Figure 5. Surface water sampling frequency per year.

Figure 6. Frequency diagram of groundwater classes (Annual average nitrate concentrations)[1],[2]. Results are presented for all groundwater stations at different depths.

Figure 7. Frequency diagram of groundwater classes at different depths (annual average nitrate concentrations)[3]. Results are presented for all Member States.

Figure 8. Frequency diagram of average nitrate concentrations in fresh surface water classes (annual average nitrate concentrations).

Figure 9. Frequency diagram of average nitrate concentrations in different surface water bodies.

 

Figure 10. Frequency diagram of the trophic status of rivers (no data or incomplete data from Germany, Denmark, France, Cyprus, Malta and Romania. For the United Kingdom, only Northern Ireland reported digital data). The assessment of the trophic status varied widely among Member States, not only regarding the parameters used, but also concerning the methodologies for the definition of trophic status classes. Information on reference conditions is needed to provide a complete picture on eutrophication.

Figure 11. Frequency diagram of the trophic status of lakes (no data or incomplete data from Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Luxembourg, Malta, and the United Kingdom). The assessment of the trophic status varied widely among Member States, not only regarding the parameters used, but also concerning the methodologies for the definition of trophic status classes. Information on reference conditions is needed to provide a complete picture on eutrophication.

Figure 12. Frequency diagram of trophic status classes for different surface water bodies. The assessment of the trophic status varied widely among Member States, not only regarding the parameters used, but also concerning the methodologies for the definition of trophic status classes. Information on reference conditions is needed to provide a complete picture on eutrophication.

Figure 13a. Frequency diagram of trophic status classes of saline surface waters (no data from Cyprus, Romania, Germany, Denmark, France, Ireland, Portugal, Romania and Sweden. For the United Kingdom, only Northern Ireland reported digital data. For Belgium, only Flanders reported data.). The assessment of the trophic status varied widely among Member States, not only regarding the parameters used, but also concerning the methodologies for the definition of trophic status classes. Information on reference conditions is needed to provide a complete picture on eutrophication.

Figure 13b. Frequency diagram of trophic status classes of transitional surface waters (UK: Northern Ireland only; For Belgium, only Flanders reported data. No data from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, and Slovenia). The assessment of the trophic status varied widely among Member States, not only regarding the parameters used, but also concerning the methodologies for the definition of trophic status classes. Information on reference conditions is needed to provide a complete picture on eutrophication.

Figure 13c. Frequency diagram of trophic status classes of coastal surface waters (UK: Northern Ireland only; no data from Belgium, Cyprus, Germany, Denmark, France, Greece, Ireland, Lithuania, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, and Sweden). The assessment of the trophic status varied widely among Member States, not only regarding the parameters used, but also concerning the methodologies for the definition of trophic status classes. Information on reference conditions is needed to provide a complete picture on eutrophication.

Figure 13d. Frequency diagram of trophic status classes of marine surface waters (data only from Italy and Latvia). The assessment of the trophic status varied widely among Member States, not only regarding the parameters used, but also concerning the methodologies for the definition of trophic status classes. The graph refers to trophic status, whereas information on reference conditions is needed to provide a complete picture on eutrophication.

Figure 14. Frequency diagram of trends in groundwater classes (annual average nitrate concentrations). Comparability between the two reporting periods might be hampered by changes in the monitoring network. Sweden provided no data regarding trends of nitrate in groundwater as compared to the reporting period 2004-2007 but only a long term trend analysis. Malta did not report trends.

Figure 15. Frequency diagram of trends in fresh surface water classes (annual average nitrate concentrations). Comparability between the two reporting periods might be hampered by changes in the monitoring network. Sweden provided no data regarding trends of nitrate in fresh surface waters as compared to the reporting period 2004-2007 but only a long term trend analysis. Germany did not submit data regarding fresh surface water trends based on average concentrations. Malta did not report trends.

Map 1. Groundwater average nitrate concentrations for the reporting period 2008-2011.

Map 2. Groundwater maximum nitrate concentrations for the reporting period 2008-2011.

Map 3. Trends in groundwater nitrates concentrations between the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011.

[1]       Groundwater stations with long-term low nitrate concentrations were not measured every four years in all cases. As a result, the figure may show a slightly over-populated percentage of stations with high nitrate concentrations.

[2]       Comparison of Figure 6 with Figure 2 of the Commission Staff Working Paper accompanying document to the report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on implementation of Council Directive 91/676/EEC concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources based on Member State reports for the period 2004 -2007 may be hampered due to substantial differences in the number of the monitored stations (e.g. Austria, since it reported data for all monitoring stations in the period 2008-2011, while aggregated data were reported in the period 2004-2007).

[3]       Groundwater stations with long-term low nitrate concentrations were not measured every four years in all cases. As a result, the figure may show a slightly over-populated percentage of stations with high nitrate concentrations.

Map 4. Surface fresh water average nitrate concentrations for the reporting period 2008-2011.

Map 5. Surface fresh water maximum nitrate concentrations for the reporting period 2008-2011.

Map 6. Trends in surface fresh water nitrates concentrations between the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011.

Map 7. Trophic status in surface waters for the reporting period 2008-2011.

|| Cattle || || || Pigs || || || Poultry || || || Other || ||

|| 2004-2007 || 2008-2011 || Change, % || 2004-2007 || 2008-2011 || Change, % || 2004-2007 || 2008-2001 || Change, % || 2004-2007 || 2008-2011 || Change, %

Austria || 2.00a || 2.01b || 0.5 || 3.14 a || 3.13 b || -0.3 || 13.14 a || 13.14 b || 0.0 || 0.5 a || 0.56 b || 12.0

Belgium-Flanders || 1.33c || 1.34d || 0.8 || 5.96 c || 6.22 d || 4.4 || 25.13 c || 27.28 d || 8.6 || 0.25 c || 0.27 d || 9.5

Belgium-Wallonia || 1.32d || 1.28e || -3.0 || 0.35 d || 0.36 e || 2.3 || 5.40 d || 5.10 e || -5.6 || 0.07 d || 0.65 e || 828.6

Bulgaria || 0.63c || 0.55e || -11.7 || 0.93 c || 0.69 e || -25.4 || 19.48 c || 16.70 e || -14.3 || 2.2 c || 2.23 e || 1.4

Cyprusf || 0.06 || 0.06 || 0.0 || 0.47 || 0.44 || -6.4 || 15.70 || 3.83 || -75.6 || 0.44 || 0.47 || 6.8

Czech Republic || 1.39g || 1.34h || -3.6 || 2.83 g || 1.75 h || -38.2 || 24.59 g || 21.25 h || -13.6 || 0.21 g || 0.26 h || 23.8

Germany || 12.68c || 12.71d || 0.3 || 26.82 c || 26.90 d || 0.3 || 120.56 c || 128.90 d || 6.9 || 3.23 c || 2.7 d || -16.4

Denmark || 1.58c || 1.56e || -1.3 || 22.95 c || 21.34e || -7.0 || 17.10 c || 18.30 e || 7.0 || * || * || *

Estonia || 0.25c || 0.24e || -4.0 || 0.36 c || 0.39 e || 8.3 || 1.92 c || 1.94 e || 1.0 || 0.08 c || 0.09 e || 12.5

Finland || 0.95j || 0.93k || -2.1 || 1.44 j || 1.37 k || -4.9 || 10.24 j || 9.59 k || -6.3 || 3.64 j || 3.64 k || 0.0

France || * || 19.50k || * || * || 13.90 k || * || * || 221.60 k || * || * || * || *

Greecef || 0.65 || 0.63 || -3.1 || 0.97 || 0.90 || -7.2 || 39.30 || 31.60 || -19.6 || 14.1 || 14.2 || 0.7

Hungary || 0.71f || 0.69d || -2.8 || 3.94f || 3.27d || -17.0 || 31.22f || 40.72d || 30.4 || 1.33f || 1.34d || 0.8

Italy || 6.08l || 5.59k || -8.1 || 9.04 l || 9.33 k || 3.2 || 157.22 l || 167.50 k || 6.5 || 17.32 l || 15.42 k || -11.0

Ireland || 6.90c || 6.63e || -3.9 || 1.64 c || 1.48 e || -9.8 || 11.82 c || 11.03 e || -6.7 || 6.27 c || 4.94 e || -21.2

Latvia || 0.40p || 0.38q || -4.8 || 0.41p || 0.38q || -8.2 || 4.76p || 4.42q || -7.1 || 0.08p || 0.1q || 25.0

Lithuaniaf || 0.81 || 0.76 || -6.2 || 1.09 || 0.89 || -18.6 || 8.83 || 9.08 || 2.8 || 0.14 || 0.74 || 428.6

Luxembourg || 0.19c || 0.20e || 5.3 || 0.09 c || 0.08 e || -7.0 || 0.08 c || 0.09 e || 12.5 || 0.02 c || 0.02 e || 0.0

Malta || * || * || * || * || * || * || * || * || * || * || * || *

Netherlands || 3.80c || 3.90e || 2.6 || 11.40 c || 12.20 e || 7.0 || 90.80 c || 97.90 e || 7.8 || 1.6 c || 1.5 e || -6.3

Polandf || 5.41 || 5.76 || 6.5 || 17.26 || 15.28 || -11.5 || 134.26 || 176.49 || 31.5 || 0.99 || 0.65 || -34.3

Portugal || 1.40m || 1.40o || 0.0 || 2.50m || 1.90 o || -24.0 || 29.20n || 35.40 o || 21.2 || 4.1m || 2.6 o || -36.6

Romania || 2.82p || 2.00q || -29.1 || 6.57 p || 5.43 q || -17.4 || 82.04 p || 80.85 q || -1.5 || 10.2 p || 10.27 q || 0.7

Sweden || 1.61r || 1.54o || -4.3 || 1.81 r || 1.53 o || -15.5 || 6.76 r || 7.16 o || 5.9 || 0.47 r || 0.54 o || 14.9

Slovakia || 0.50s || 0.46t || -8.0 || 1.10 s || 0.60 t || -45.5 || 13.00 s || 11.40 t || -12.3 || 0.33 s || 0.39 t || 18.2

Sloveniaf || 0.46 || 0.47 || 2.0 || 0.55 || 0.40 || -27.3 || 3.52 || 4.56 || 29.5 || 0.17 || 0.18 || 5.9

Spainu || 6.48 || 6.15 || -5.1 || 25.73 || 25.38 || -1.4 || 175.75 || 171.03 || -2.7 || 25.75 || 22.66 || -12.0

United Kingdom -England || 5.70c || 5.80e || 1.8 || 4.00 c || 3.70 e || -7.5 || 134.00 c || 122.00 || -9.0 || 15.7 c || 14.6 || -7.0

United Kingdom - N Ireland || 1.62c || 1.59e || -1.5 || 0.41 c || 0.42 e || 3.2 || 18.46 c || 17.54 e || -5.0 || 2.13 c || 1.92 e || -9.9

United Kingdom - Scotland || 1.90c || 1.80e || -5.1 || 0.46 c || 0.39 e || -14.7 || 14.13 c || 14.53 e || 2.8 || 7.59 c || 6.85 e || -9.7

United Kingdom - Wales || * || 1.13e || * || * || 0.02 e || * || * || 7.53 e || * || * || 8.49 e || *

 

Table 1. Average livestock numbers (x1000,000) presented in the 2008-2011 and 2004-2007 reports of the Member States and the average change between the two reporting periods. * no data.

Note: a, average years 2004 and 2006; b, average years 2008 and 2010; c, average 2004-2007; d, average 2008-2010; e. average 2008-2011; f, years not specified; g, 1-4-2007; h, 1-4-2011; i, average 2010-2011; j, 2006; k, 2010; l, 2000; m, average 2004-2006; n, 2005 (EUROSTAT); o, 2009; p, 2007;q, 2011; r, 2005; s, 1-1-2007; t, 1-1-2012; u, incomplete data (no data from some Regions).

 Table 2.1. Number of total cattle (x 1000) in the period 2004-2011, and the change in number between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (Source: Eurostat). The change in % was calculated as the change in average number in the period 2008-2011 compared to the average number in the period 2004-2007:

[(average 2008-2011) – (average 2004-2007)]/[(average 2004-2007)] x 100.

Table 2.2. Number of dairy cattle (x 1000) in the period 2004-2011, and the change in number between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (Source: Eurostat). The change in % was calculated as the change in average number in the period 2008-2011 compared to the average number in the period 2004-2007:

[(average 2008-2011) – (average 2004-2007)]/[(average 2004-2007)] x 100.

Table 2.3. Number of pigs (x 1000) in the period 2004-2011, and the change in number between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (Source: Eurostat). The change in % was calculated as the change in average number in the period 2008-2011 compared to the average number in the period 2004-2007:

[(average 2008-2011) – (average 2004-2007)]/[(average 2004-2007)] x 100.

Table 2.4. Number of poultry (x 1000) in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2010, and the change in number between 2003-2005 and 2007-2010   (Source: Eurostat). The change in % was calculated as the change in average number in the period 2007-2010 compared to the average number in the period 2003-2005:

[(average 2007-2010) – (average 2003-2005)]/[(average 2003-2005)] x 100.

Table 2.5. Number of sheep (x 1000) in the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011, and the change in number between these periods (Source: Eurostat; * no data in EUROSTAT). The change in % was calculated as the change in average number in the period 2008-2011 compared to the average number in the period 2004-2007:

[(average 2008-2011) – (average 2004-2007)]/[(average 2004-2007)] x 100.

|| Animal manure N use || || Fertilizer N use || ||

|| 2004-2007 || 2008-2011 || Change, % || 2004-2004 || 2008-2011 || Change, % ||

Austria || 188 || 185 || -1.6 || 101 || 104 || 3.0 ||

Belgium-Flanders[1] || 101 || 101 || 0.0 || 37 || 41 || 10.8 ||

Belgium-Walloon || 81 || 74 || -8.6 || 77 || 74 || -3.9 ||

Bulgaria || * || 69 || * || 163.8 || 186 || 13.6 ||

Cyprus || 10 || 15 || 50.0 || 10 || 8 || -20.0 ||

Czech Republic || 85 || 69 || -18.8 || 335 || 353 || 5.4 ||

Germany[2] || 59 || 59 || 0.0 || 1785 || 1569 || -12.1 ||

Denmark || 228 || 227 || -0.4 || 195 || 197 || 1.0 ||

Estonia || 14 || 14 || 0.0 || 23 || 30 || 30.4 ||

Finland || 99 || 98 || -1.0 || 148 || 157 || 6.1 ||

France || * || * || * || * || * || * ||

Greece || 63 || 65 || 3.2 || 271 || 225 || -17.0 ||

Hungary[3] || 107 || 121 || 13.1 || 291 || 288 || -1.0 ||

Italy || 511 || 498 || -2.5 || 799 || 541 || -32.3 ||

Ireland || 447 || 420 || -6.0 || 345 || 331 || -4.1 ||

Latvia[4] || * || 60 || * || 48 || 55 || 14.6 ||

Lithuania || 112 || 53 || -52.7 || * || * || * ||

Luxembourg || 12 || 12 || 0.0 || 15 || 13 || -13.3 ||

Malta || * || * || * || * || * || * ||

Netherlands || 349 || 344 || -1.4 || 270 || 222 || -17.8 ||

Poland || 461 || 483 || 4.8 || 1 056 || 1 091 || 3.3% ||

Portugal || 203 || 164 || -19.2 || 168 || 103 || -38.7 ||

Romania || 282 || 262 || -7.1 || 265 || 306 || 15.5 ||

Sweden || 79 || 99 || 25.3 || 158 || 157 || -0.6 ||

Slovakia[5] || 52 || 46 || -11.5 || 79 || 96 || 21.5 ||

Slovenia[6] || 30 || 29 || -3.3 || 30 || 27 || -10.0 ||

Spain || 1058 || 891 || -15.8 || 834 || 801 || -4.0 ||

United Kingdom – England || ** || ** || ** || 87 || ** || ** ||

United Kingdom - N Ireland || 108 || 97 || -10.2 || 86 || 68 || -20.9 ||

United Kingdom - Scotland || 159 || 152 || -4.4 || 166 || 127 || -23.5 ||

United Kingdom - Wales || ** || ** || ** || ** || ** || ** ||

Table 3. Annual fertiliser and manure N use in thousand tonnes in the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reports of Member States and the average change between the two reporting periods. * no data or inaccurate data. ** England and Wales reported aggregated data: animal manure N use: 343 thousand tons in both periods 2008-2011 and 2004-2007; fertilizer N use: 822 thousand tons in the period 2004-2007and 784 thousand tons in the period 2008-2011. [1] Data from 2007 and 2010. [2] Data from 2006 and 2010. [3] Data from 2007 and 2012. [4] Data from 2007 and 2011. [5] Data from 2007 and 2012. [6] Data from 2007 and 2011. ||

|| || || || ||

Table 4. N fertilizer consumption in tonnes of N in 2006-2007 and 2008-2010 (Source: Eurostat/Fertilizers Europe; *no data in EUROSTAT) and the change between these periods.

|| Nitrogen || Phosphate

Member State || 2004 || 2008 || Change (%) || 2004 || 2008 || Change (%)

Austria || 36 || 33 || -8.3 || 3 || 2 || -33.3

Belgium || 129 || 118 || -8.5 || 9 || 5 || -44.4

Bulgaria || 22 || 18 || -18.2 || -3 || -4 || -33.3

Cyprus || 114* || 122 || 7.0 || 20* || 21 || 5.0

Czech Republic || 72 || 86 || 19.4 || 1 || 1 || 0.0

Denmark || 113 || 95 || -15.9 || 10 || 7 || -30.0

Estonia || 25 || 29 || 16.0 || -7* || -8 || -14.3

Finland || 58 || 54 || -6.9 || 7 || 5 || -28.6

France || 50 || 49 || -2.0 || 3 || 2 || -33.3

Germany || 91 || 93 || 2.2 || -1 || 1 || -

Greece || 27 || 15 || -44.4 || -2 || -3 || -50

Hungary || -13 || -18 || -38.5 || -12 || -15 || - 25

Ireland || 62 || 50 || -19.4 || 7 || 3 || -57.1

Italy || 23 || 33 || 43.5 || -4 || -4 || 0.0

Latvia || 21 || 16 || -23.8 || 0 || -1 || -

Lithuania || 34 || 36 || 5.9 || -7 || -10 || -42.8

Luxembourg || 102 || 89 || -12.7 || 1 || 1 || 0.0

Malta || 212 || 120 || -43.4 || 38 || 20 || -47.4

Netherlands || 226 || 188 || -16.8 || 16 || 10 || -37.5

Poland || 42 || 63 || 50.0 || 3 || 7 || 133.3

Portugal || 25 || 12 || -52.0 || 12 || 3 || -75.0

Romania || -12 || 4 || - || -4 || -2 || +50

Slovakia || 31 || 28 || -9.7 || -3 || -4 || -33.3

Slovenia || 56 || 47 || -16.1 || 9 || 7 || -22.2

Spain || 40 || 35 || -12.5 || 4 || 3 || -25.0

Sweden || 47 || 53 || 12.8 || 1 || 1 || 0.0

United Kingdom || 111 || 93 || -16.2 || 11 || 7 || -36.4

|| || || || || ||

European Union (27) || 50* || 49 || -2 || 2* || 1 || -50

Table 5. Nitrogen and phosphate balance (kg N per ha and Kg P per ha) in the EU (Source EUROSTAT). * data from 2005.

|| Stations with measurements || Density per 1000 km2

|| || || ||

Member State || 2004-2007 || 2008-2011 || 2004-2007 || 2008-2011

AT-Austria || 368 || 1965 || 4.5 || 23.8

BE-Belgium || 3020 || 2974 || 99.7 || 98.2

BG-Bulgaria || 128 || 432 || 1.2 || 4.0

CY-Cyprus || 222 || 244 || 24.0 || 26.4

CZ-Czech Republic || 408 || 611 || 5.3 || 7.9

DE-Germany || 170 || 162 || 0.5 || 0.5

DK-Denmark || 1479 || 595 || 34.9 || 14.0

EE-Estonia || 565 || 299 || 13.3 || 7.1

EL-Greece || 415 || 370 || 3.2 || 2.8

ES-Spain || 4078 || 4770 || 8.2 || 9.5

FR-France || 2666 || 2509 || 4.9 || 4.6

FI-Finland || 54 || 79 || 0.2 || 0.3

HU-Hungary || 1868 || 1763 || 20.8 || 19.7

IE-Ireland || 210 || 211 || 3.0 || 3.1

IT-Italy || 5782 || 5331 || 19.7 || 18.1

LT-Lithuania || 53 || 62 || 0.8 || 1.0

LU-Luxembourg || 20 || 20 || 7.7 || 7.7

LV-Latvia || 176 || 174 || 2.8 || 2.8

MT-Malta || 14 || 41 || 44.3 || 129.7

NL-Netherlands || 1244 || 1308 || 36.7 || 38.6

PL-Poland || 1266 || 1258 || 4.2 || 4.1

PT-Portugal || 630 || 657 || 6.9 || 7.2

RO-Romania || 1371 || 1805 || 6.0 || 7.9

SE-Sweden || 163 || 326 || 0.4 || 0.8

SK-Slovakia || 1558 || 1717 || 32.4 || 35.7

SI-Slovenia || 112 || 104 || 5.6 || 5.2

UK-United Kingdom || 3061 || 3088 || 12.7 || 12.8

|| || || ||

EU || 30827 || 33493 || 7.4 || 8.0

Table 6. Number and density of reported groundwater monitoring stations. Figures in the table are taken from the datasets submitted by the Member States. Only stations for which complete and correct information (on ID, coordinates, etc.) has been reported are included.

|| Stations with measurements || Density per 1000 km2

Member State || 2004-2007 || 2008-2011 || 2004-2007 || 2008-2011

AT-Austria || 297 || 109 || 3.6 || 1.3

BE-Belgium || 1154 || 859 || 38.1 || 28.4

BG-Bulgaria || 109 || 315 || 1.0 || 2.9

CY-Cyprus || 10 || 10 || 1.1 || 1.1

CZ-Czech Republic || 949 || 571 || 12.3 || 7.4

DE-Germany || 171 || 300 || 0.5 || 0.9

DK-Denmark || 220 || 161 || 5.2 || 3.8

EE-Estonia || 74 || 145 || 1.7 || 3.4

EL-Greece || 107 || 105 || 0.8 || 0.8

ES-Spain || 2544 || 3733 || 5.1 || 7.5

FI-Finland || 147 || 141 || 0.5 || 0.5

FR-France || 1746 || 3331 || 3.2 || 6.1

HU-Hungary || 535 || 525 || 6.0 || 5.9

IE-Ireland || 217 || 252 || 3.2 || 3.7

IT-Italy || 2111 || 2463 || 7.2 || 8.4

LT-Lithuania || 118 || 291 || 1.9 || 4.6

LU-Luxembourg || 16 || 16 || 6.2 || 6.2

LV-Latvia || 325 || 339 || 5.2 || 5.4

MT-Malta || 7 || 7[4] || 22.2 || 22.2

NL-Netherlands || 502 || 457 || 14.8 || 13.5

PL-Poland || 3397 || 2801 || 11.2 || 9.2

PT-Portugal || 127 || 148 || 1.4 || 1.6

RO-Romania || 1241 || 1116 || 5.4 || 4.9

SE-Sweden || 2185 || 2455 || 5.3 || 6.0

SI-Slovenia || 118 || 139 || 5.9 || 6.9

SK-Slovakia || 224 || 852 || 4.7 || 17.7

UK-United Kingdom || 7988 || 7377 || 33.1 || 30.6

EU || 26639 || 29018 || 6.4 || 6.9

Table 7. Number and density of freshwater monitoring stations. Figures in the table are taken from the datasets submitted by the Member States. Only stations for which complete and correct information (on ID, coordinates, etc.) has been reported are included.

MS || 2004-2007 || 2008-2011

AT || * || *

BE || 25 || 17[5]

BG || 6 || 7

CY || 18 || 18[6]

CZ || * || *

DE || ** || 19

DK || 136 || 70

EE || 9 || 39

EL || 11 || 11

ES || 332 || 631

FR || 23 || 21

FI || 46 || 44

HU || * || *

IE || 126 || 104

IT || 408 || 582

LT || 19 || 17

LUX || * || *

LV || 31 || 45

MT || 29 || 31[7]

NL || 41 || 43

PL || 66 || 46

PT || 42 || 55

RO || 60 || 54

SE || 229 || 235

SK || * || *

SI || 5 || 5

UK || 915 || 1064

EU || 2577 || 3210

Table 8. Number of saline water monitoring stations (* no saline waters, ** no data). Figures in the table are taken from the datasets submitted by the Member States. Only stations for which complete and correct information (on ID, coordinates, etc.) has been reported are included.

|| 2004-2007 || 2008-2011

Member State || < 25 || 25-40 || 40-50 || ≥ 50 || < 25 || 25-40 || 40-50 || ≥ 50

AT || 74% || 12% || 5% || 9% || 74.5% || 11.5% || 5.3% || 8.8%

BE || 60% || 15% || 7% || 18% || 60.4% || 14.7% || 7.1% || 17.9%

BG || 53% || 18% || 8% || 21% || 57.3% || 16.7% || 8.0% || 18.1%

CY || 76% || 8% || 3% || 14% || 75.8% || 6.6% || 2.5% || 15.2%

CZ || 74% || 8% || 3% || 14% || 75.8% || 8.0% || 3.9% || 12.3%

DE || 12% || 20% || 18% || 50% || 8.2% || 22.6% || 18.2% || 50.9%

DK || 70% || 8% || 5% || 17% || 65.4% || 8.4% || 6.9% || 19.3%

EE || 66% || 16% || 7% || 11% || 54.2% || 23.6% || 8.4% || 13.8%

ES || 54% || 13% || 6% || 26% || 57.5% || 13.1% || 6.3% || 23.1%

FI || 96% || 2% || 0% || 2% || 98.7% || 1.3% || 0.0% || 0.0%

FR || 50% || 26% || 10% || 14% || 51.0% || 25.1% || 12.0% || 12.0%

GR || 58% || 14% || 6% || 21% || 62.4% || 11.4% || 6.8% || 19.5%

HU || 90% || 3% || 1% || 6% || 87.7% || 4.0% || 1.3% || 6.9%

IE || 73% || 20% || 5% || 2% || 86.7% || 10.9% || 2.4% || 0.0%

IT || 66% || 16% || 6% || 12% || 67.3% || 14.0% || 6.0% || 12.7%

LT || 94% || 4% || 0% || 2% || 93.5% || 3.2% || 0.0% || 3.2%

LU || 40% || 35% || 10% || 15% || 40.0% || 35.0% || 10.0% || 15.0%

LV || 95% || 2% || 1% || 2% || 95.4% || 2.9% || 0.6% || 1.2%

MT || 0% || 29% || 0% || 71% || 2.4% || 9.8% || 17.1% || 70.7%

NL || 71% || 5% || 3% || 21% || 77.8% || 6.5% || 3.2% || 12.5%

PL || 86% || 5% || 3% || 6% || 87.0% || 5.0% || 2.9% || 5.2%

PT || 65% || 12% || 3% || 20% || 64.7% || 11.3% || 3.8% || 20.2%

RO || 75% || 10% || 4% || 11% || 76.5% || 8.3% || 3.8% || 11.5%

SE || 99% || 1% || 0% || 0% || 98.2% || 0.9% || 0.6% || 0.3%

SI || 74% || 13% || 4% || 10% || 78.8% || 6.7% || 7.8% || 6.7%

SK || 89% || 6% || 2% || 4% || 75.1% || 10.0% || 3.8% || 11.0%

UK || 61% || 17% || 7% || 15% || 61.7% || 17.4% || 6.9% || 14.0%

EU || 66% || 13% || 6% || 15% || 67.0% || 12.7% || 5.9% || 14.4%

Table 9. Percentage of groundwater monitoring points per water quality class (annual average nitrate concentration) for all stations for EU 27 Member States for the period 2004-2007 and 2008-2011.

|| 2004-2007 || 2008-2011 || ||

|| 0-1.99 || 2-9.99 || 10-24.99 || 25-39.99 || 40-50 || >50 || 0-1.99 || 2-9.99 || 10-24.99 || 25-39.99 || 40-50 || >50 || ||

AT || 22.9% || 61.6% || 14.1% || 1.3% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 21.1% || 54.1% || 22.9% || 1.8% || 0.0% || 0.0% || ||

BE || 0.9% || 25.3% || 42.5% || 16.1% || 5.7% || 9.5% || 5.2% || 27.8% || 37.6% || 16.7% || 5.6% || 7.1% || ||

BG || 67.0% || 32.1% || 0.9% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 24.9% || 57.0% || 14.8% || 2.6% || 0.3% || 0.3% || ||

CY || 10.0% || 50.0% || 30.0% || 10.0% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 10.0% || 50.0% || 40.0% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 0.0% || ||

CZ || 0.5% || 22.6% || 58.3% || 16.5% || 1.5% || 0.6% || 0.2% || 13.5% || 57.6% || 24.0% || 2.6% || 2.1% || ||

DE || 12.3% || 22.2% || 61.4% || 4.1% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 15.8% || 23.4% || 57.1% || 3.6% || 0.0% || 0.0% || ||

DK || 40.5% || 14.5% || 25.5% || 15.5% || 3.2% || 0.9% || 31.1% || 15.5% || 37.3% || 14.3% || 1.2% || 0.6% || ||

EE || 75.7% || 13.5% || 9.5% || 1.4% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 57.2% || 32.4% || 9.7% || 0.7% || 0.0% || 0.0% || ||

ES || 37.7% || 42.0% || 15.4% || 2.9% || 0.7% || 1.3% || 37.0% || 42.9% || 14.5% || 3.4% || 0.9% || 1.3% || ||

FI || 58.5% || 40.1% || 1.4% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 66.7% || 33.3% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 0.0% || ||

FR || 3.4% || 31.3% || 46.6% || 15.0% || 2.3% || 1.4% || 7.0% || 38.0% || 37.0% || 14.0% || 2.0% || 1.0% || ||

GR || 34.6% || 56.1% || 8.4% || 0.0% || 0.9% || 0.0% || 45.7% || 44.8% || 9.5% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 0.0% || ||

HU || 24.5% || 48.0% || 21.5% || 3.4% || 1.1% || 1.5% || 13.5% || 49.9% || 27.0% || 7.0% || 1.0% || 1.5% || ||

IE || 42.9% || 31.3% || 23.0% || 2.8% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 48.4% || 35.3% || 15.5% || 0.8% || 0.0% || 0.0% || ||

IT || 21.8% || 55.6% || 20.2% || 2.2% || 0.1% || 0.1% || 25.3% || 52.0% || 19.5% || 2.6% || 0.3% || 0.2% || ||

LT || 42.4% || 48.3% || 7.6% || 1.7% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 64.3% || 29.2% || 6.5% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 0.0% || ||

LU || 0.0% || 6.3% || 62.5% || 31.3% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 6.7% || 66.7% || 26.7% || 0.0% || 0.0% || ||

LV || 46.5% || 45.8% || 6.2% || 1.5% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 52.8% || 40.4% || 4.7% || 2.1% || 0.0% || 0.0% || ||

MT* || 0.0% || 0.0% || 14.3% || 28.6% || 14.3% || 42.9% || 28.6% || 14.3% || 14.3% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 42.9% || ||

NL || 8.8% || 51.2% || 32.1% || 5.2% || 0.8% || 2.0% || 60.6% || 38.3% || 1.1% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 0.0% || ||

PL || 9.6% || 58.8% || 26.4% || 3.7% || 0.8% || 0.7% || 24.4% || 50.8% || 20.5% || 2.7% || 0.8% || 0.9% || ||

PT || 50.4% || 44.1% || 4.7% || 0.8% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 63.0% || 33.6% || 3.4% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 0.0% || ||

RO || 21.0% || 71.2% || 6.5% || 0.7% || 0.2% || 0.4% || 22.7% || 70.4% || 5.3% || 0.8% || 0.3% || 0.5% || ||

SE || 96.7% || 2.9% || 0.4% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 77.0% || 18.7% || 4.3% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 0.0% || ||

SI || 2.5% || 90.1% || 6.6% || 0.8% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 7.2% || 89.2% || 2.9% || 0.7% || 0.0% || 0.0% || ||

SK || 0.0% || 73.7% || 25.9% || 0.4% || 0.0% || 0.0% || 1.9% || 79.0% || 17.0% || 1.4% || 0.4% || 0.4% || ||

UK || 6.5% || 25.1% || 31.3% || 22.8% || 7.3% || 6.9% || 11.7% || 30.5% || 27.3% || 18.8% || 5.7% || 6.0% || ||

EU || 20.8% || 36.9% || 25.8% || 10.6% || 2.9% || 3.0% || 21.3% || 41.2% || 23.3% || 9.3% || 2.4% || 2.4% || ||

Table 10. Percentage of points per water quality class (annual average nitrate concentration) for river and lake stations for the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. * In absence of data for the period 2008-2011, data for 2012 are presented.

SECTION II NITRATE VULNERABLE ZONES

Under Article 3 of the Nitrates Directive, Member States are required to identify polluted waters or waters at risk of pollution, according to the criteria defined in Annex I to the Directive, and have to designate all areas that drain into identified waters and contribute to pollution as nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZ).

The Directive gives the possibility to Member State not to identify specific vulnerable zones, if they establish and apply action programmes throughout their national territory (Article 3(5).

Table 11 presents the 2008 and 2012 situation in relation to the implementation of Article 3 of the Nitrates Directive. The 2012 situation is also shown in Map 8.

|| 2012 || 2012 || 2008 || 2008

Country || % of territory designated as NVZ || Area of territory designated (km²) || % of territory designated as NVZ || Area of territory designated (km²)

Austria || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5) || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5)

Belgium* || 76.2 || 23356.2 || 67.53 || 20710.98

Bulgaria || 34.56 || 38351.59 || 53.13 || 58960.69

Cyprus || 5.26 || 486 || 4.98 || 461.67

Czech Republic || 41.63 || 32835.39 || 39.78 || 31375.68

Denmark || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5) || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5)

Estonia || 7.18 || 3250 || 7.18 || 3250

Finland || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5) || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5)

France || 46.49 || 255372.07 || 45.54 || 250136.51

Germany || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5) || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5)

Greece || 24.27 || 31962.81 || 24.27 || 31962.81

Hungary || 45.7 || 42519 || 45.75 || 42564

Ireland || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5) || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5)

Italy || 13.07 || 39391 || 12.64 || 38096.96

Latvia || 12.8 || 8258.7 || 12.65 || 8173.54

Lithuania || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5) || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5)

Luxembourg || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5) || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5)

Malta || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5) || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5)

Netherlands || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5) || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5)

Poland || 4.54 || 14171.24 || 1.47 || 4608.82

Portugal || 4.39 || 4046.8 || 3.70 || 3408.07

Romania || 57.79 || 137803.8 || 6.72 || 16047

Slovakia || 29.82 || 14622 || 29.82 || 14622

Slovenia || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5) || Whole territory approach - Art. 3(5)

Spain || 16.15 || 81699.44 || 12.58 || 63693.76

Sweden || 22.08 || 99339.26 || 15.01 || 67521.79

United Kingdom** || 43.56 || 106538.68 || 38.67 || 94594.25

EU 27*** || 46.69 || 1952086.48 || 42.29 || 1768271.03

* The Region of Flanders applies an action programme to its entire territory in line with Art. 3(5) of the Nitrates Directive. Flanders whole surface has been considered for the calculation of the NVZ in Belgium.

** Northern Ireland applies an action programme to its entire territory in line with Art. 3(5) of the Nitrates Directive. Northern Ireland whole surface has been considered for the calculation of the NVZ in the United Kingdom.

*** The values for EU27 have been calculated taking into account the whole land area of countries applying an action programme to their territory in line with Art. 3(5) of the Nitrates Directive.

Table 11. Nitrate vulnerable zones in Member States and Member States applying an action programme to the whole national territory in line with Art. 3(5) of the Nitrates Directive (source: data provided by Member States to JRC).

Map 8. Implementation of Article 3 of the Nitrates Directive in 2012.

SECTION III DEROGATIONS || || ||

The Directive establishes a maximum annual limit of 170 kg N/ha from livestock manure that can be applied on land. The Directive envisages a possibility for a derogation to this maximum amount, when certain conditions are met (long growing seasons, crops with high nitrogen uptake, high net precipitation, and soils with exceptionally high denitrification capacity). At request of a Member State, the derogation is granted by means of a Commission Decision and is subject to an opinion of the Nitrates Committee. Table 12 presents the situation concerning granted temporary derogations at the end of the year 2012. || || ||

Member State/Region || Commission Decision || Publication || Expiry date

Denmark Belgium: Flanders || 2012/659/EU 2011/489/EU || OJ L 295/20, 25.10.2012 OJ L 200/23, 3.8.2011 || 31.07.2016 31.12.2014

Ireland || 2011/127/EU || OJ L  51/19, 25.02.2011 || 31.12.2013

Germany || 2009/753/EC || OJ L 268/35, 13.10.2009 || 31.12.2013

Netherlands || 2010/65/EU || OJ L 35/18, 6.02.2010 || 31.12.2013

UK: Northern Ireland || 2011/128/EU || OJ L 51/21, 25.02.2011 || 31.12.2014

UK: England, Scotland and Wales Italy: Lombardy, Piedmont, Veneto, and  Emilia Romagna || 2009/431/EC 2011/721/EU || OJ L 141/48, 6.6.2009 OJ L 287/36, 4.11.2011 || 31.12.2012 31.12.2015

Table 12. Derogations in force at the end of the year 2012. || || ||

SECTION IV ASSESSMENT OF THE REPORTING EXERCISE

The Member States reports for the period 2008-2011 were mostly submitted in the second half of 2012 and at the early beginning of 2013. There was a large variety in both the format and the quality of the report content among Member States, with consequent challenges in developing a consistent aggregate synthesis at the EU level. Likewise, in a number of cases, digital data provided together with the written reports by Member States, presented inconsistencies and difficulties of interpretation, which required clarifications from Member States.

In general, the overall quality of information submitted by Members States improved as compared to the reporting period 2004-2007. However, the following issues will need special attention in the future reporting periods:

· Ensuring adequate data relating to saline waters (especially marine) both from a quantitative and qualitative point of view;

· Moving towards comparability in the assessment of eutrophication in surface waters, both fresh and saline ones;

· Producing maps showing waters identified in accordance with Article 3(1) and Annex I, indicating for each water which of the criteria in Annex I was used for the purpose of identification;

· Notifying designated nitrate vulnerable zones in the appropriate format, together with the reasons for designation, according to the criteria for identifying polluted waters or at risk of being polluted;

· Delivering data regarding pressures from agriculture in an accurate and complete way, which will make comparability at EU level possible;

· Developing adequate methodologies for the assessment of future developments of water quality;

· Improving the reporting as regards the implementation of the action programmes, their enforcement, impacts, and cost-effectiveness.

SECTION V MEMBER STATES SUMMARY SHEETS

In this section Member States summary sheets are presented, including information on water quality and trends, as well as main highlights on pressures from agriculture and nitrate vulnerable zones, the code of good agricultural practices and the action programme.

Unless otherwise specified, all information on water quality is based on the analysis of the digital data provided by Member States and includes monitoring results for all stations in their territory and not only for designated nitrate vulnerable zones. All values of nitrates concentrations presented in the graphs refer to annual averages, unless otherwise indicated. Graphs presenting percentages of groundwater stations and fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L refer to exceeding these values on average over each reporting period.  Likewise, trends between different reporting periods also generally refer to average values over each period, unless otherwise indicated.

Member States used different methodologies for the assessment of the trophic status and, in some cases, the methodologies changed between the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods. Therefore, both comparability across EU and trend analysis have to be considered as indicative. In addition, information on reference conditions is needed to provide a complete picture on eutrophication.

The information on pressure from agriculture in the Member States summary sheets (including animal numbers and mineral and manure N use) is based on the written reports submitted by Member States. However, in order to ensure comparability among Member States and to provide a reference for EU, Eurostat data have been used in the Commission report.

As regards nitrates vulnerable zones, figures refer to the designations in force at the end of 2012 and not only to the reporting period 2008-2011.

Member State: Austria

Water quality

|| Monitoring stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total groundwater stations || 1965 || 1724

Total fresh surface water stations || 109 (81 rivers + 28 lakes) || 100 (75 rivers + 28 lakes)

Total saline water stations (coastal and marine) || Not applicable || Not applicable

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations.

Groundwater quality

                   

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). To be noted that due to the change in the reporting of the groundwater stations, the results of the reporting period 2000-2003 cannot be compared with later results. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage] || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Surface water quality

           

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L in the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. No river station exceeded 50 mg/l in all reporting periods. No lake station exceeded 25 or 50 mg/l in all reporting periods. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates, expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 4. Trends in surface fresh waters nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Eutrophication

For rivers, the assessment was made by means of nitrates concentrations, the trophic state, and phytobenthos. For lakes, nitrates concentrations, the trophic state, phytoplankton, total phosphorus and Secchi depth were used. Phytobenthos and phytoplankton are biological quality parameters which have been developed in accordance with the Water Framework Directive, as indicators for eutrophication. In its submission, Austria stressed that information on the reference status of a water body and its current deviation from it (shown by the trophic status) is needed to assess eutrophication due to anthropogenic impacts.

Figure 5. Surface fresh water trophic status during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods (for 2004 – 2007 data was just reported for lakes and not for rivers).

Pressure from agriculture

Agricultural pressures remained stable as compared to the previous reporting period, as the use of manure and inorganic N fertilizers as well as animal numbers were stable.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

No nitrates vulnerable zones have been designated in Austria, since an action programme applies to its whole territory.

Code of good agricultural practice

The code of good agricultural practices was established in 1995.  After the elaboration of the first action programme (1996), which Austria applies since that time throughout the whole national territory, the code of good agricultural practices has been incorporated in the provisions of the action programme. Thus the provisions are mandatory for all farmers in Austria and updated periodically as part of the action programme.

Action programme

The action programme was first established in 1996 and modified at several occasions. The latest revision took place in 2012.

In addition to the obligatory measures of the action programme, a voluntary programme has been established (ÖPUL programme - Austrian programme for the promotion of environmentally sound, extensive agriculture that protects the natural environment). In 2010, around 118.350 holdings have participated in the ÖPUL programme.

Member State: Belgium

Water quality

|| Monitoring stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total groundwater stations || 2075 (Flanders) + 899 (Wallonia) || 2011 (Flanders) + 899 (Wallonia)

Total fresh surface water stations || 791 (Flanders) + 68 (Wallonia) || 787 (Flanders) + 61 (Wallonia)

Total saline water stations || 7 transitional (Flanders) + 6 coastal (federal) + 4 marine (federal) || -

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Groundwater quality

FLANDERS

                    

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations       between the year 2004 and the year 2007 (left) and    between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right). A trend between the 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 is not possible, due to a change in the monitoring network in 2004.

WALLONIA

              

Figure 3. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 4. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Surface water quality

FLANDERS

                

Figure 5. Percentage of river stations (Manure Action Plan monitoring network) exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 6. Trends in rivers (Manure Action Plan monitoring network) nitrate concentrations between the period 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

WALLONIA

              

Figure 7. Percentage of surface fresh water stations  exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L on average during 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No stations exceeded 50 mg nitrate per L in both reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 || Figure 8. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the period 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Eutrophication

Rivers and lakes

FLANDERS

The eutrophication status of fresh waters was assessed by means of total phosphorus. Of river monitoring stations (operational monitoring network WFD), 82% were eutrophic or hypertrophic. Data for the few monitored lakes showed similar results.

The trophic status of fresh waters remains an issue, although it improved in the reporting period 2008-2011.

Figure 9. Surface fresh water (rivers) eutrophication classification during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods

WALLONIA

The eutrophication status of rivers was assessed by means of orthophosphate, total phosphorus and chlorophyll-a.  50% of the monitoring stations were eutrophic or hypertrophic. The trophic status of rivers worsened in the reporting period 2008-2011 compared to 2004-2007, as the proportion of hypertrophic stations increased. As regards lakes, 11 lakes were monitored, of which 8 were eutrophic and 3 were mesotrophic.

Figure 10. Surface fresh water (rivers) eutrophication classification during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods.

Saline waters

Flanders only reported transitional waters, which were all found to be in hypertrophic status in the 2008-2011 reporting period, on the basis of total nitrogen concentrations. In the 2004-2007 reporting period, 66.7% of monitored sites were in mesotrophic status and the remaining 33.3% in eutrophic status.

Wallonia did not report on saline waters.

The report of the Belgian Federal Authority presents nitrates concentrations for coastal and marine waters, which were always lower than 2 mg/l. Also data on phytoplankton and diatom contents for marine waters were presented, although not used to assess the trophic status of these waters.

Pressure from agriculture

In Flanders, increasing agricultural pressures were due to increasing number of poultry and pigs, as well as the use of fertilizer N. The use of manure N remained stable. The reported nitrogen discharge of agriculture increased between 2007 and 2009 by 15%. From 1990 to 2009, the nitrogen discharge of agriculture decreased by 70% .

In Wallonia, the agricultural pressures slightly decreased, as both manure use and mineral fertilizers use decreased.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

No nitrates vulnerable zones have been designated in Flanders, since an action programme applies to its whole territory, since 2007. In addition, since year 2011, Flanders has designated focus areas, draining into particularly polluted surface and ground waters.

In Wallonia, nitrate vulnerable zones were first designated in 1994 and then extended in 2002, 2006 and 2012.

At the end of 2012, the total land area to which an action programme applies in Belgium was 23356.2 Km2, corresponding to 76.2 of the total land area.

Code of good agricultural practice

In Flanders, the code of good agricultural practice (CGAP) was first issued in 1996. It applies to all farmers on an obligatory basis, as integral part of the action programme.

In Wallonia, the Programme for the Sustainable Management of the Nitrogen (PGDA) is the legislative tool established for the implementation of the Nitrates Directive. It describes both the action programme measures, obligatory in NVZ, as well as the rules applicable outside the NVZ, concerning manure storage requirements, application restrictions, maximal total organic N and soil cover.

Action programme

In Flanders, legislation on manure management was established in 1991. The last action programme was published in 2011. Changes in the 2011-2014 action programme as compared to the 2007-2010 one notably related to closed periods, minimum storage capacity and maximum nitrogen application rates. In the reporting period 2008-2011, controls were carried out on several aspects of the programme. Main irregularities were identified in relation to the non-compliance of application rates of manures and fertilizers, with annually 15 to 20% non-compliance, manure transport, with annually 20 to 35% non-compliance and illegal disposal of manures, with annually 38 to 50% non-compliance.

In Wallonia, the action programme was first published in 1994 and modified in 2002, 2007 and 2011. Several activities are carried out on farmer's awareness raising and counselling. Each year at least 3% of the farms are selected for the analysis of the potentially leachable nitrogen, which gives an indication of the fertilization practices on the plot. In 2009, of the 299 monitored farms, 11.4% failed the test. Annual controlling activities were carried out in 1% of the farms.  The percentage of compliance with action programme measures varied from 89% for balanced fertilization to 100% for unfertilized buffer strips near watercourses.

Member State: Bulgaria

Water quality

|| Monitoring stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total groundwater stations || 432 || 116

Total fresh surface water stations || 315 || 86

Total coastal water stations || 7 || 3

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations.

Groundwater quality

         

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L, during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Surface water quality

      

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No stations exceeded 25 mg nitrate per L in the reporting period 2004-2007. || Figure 4. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Eutrophication

Rivers and Lakes

The trophic status in rivers was assessed on the basis of nitrate concentrations and inorganic P. The trophic status in lakes was assessed on the basis of nitrate concentrations, chlorophyll-a, total P and inorganic P. The percentages of hypertrophic and eutrophic fresh waters have increased from 2% to 11% and from 6% to 11%, respectively. The percentage of oligotrophic waters has also increased from 25% to 37%. The percentages of mesotrophic and ultra-oligotrophic waters have decreased.

Figure 5. Eutrophication classification for surface fresh waters in the reporting periods 2004-2007 (left) and 2008-2011 (right).

Saline waters

The trophic status of coastal waters was assessed on the basis of nitrate concentrations and inorganic P. All coastal waters were reported as eutrophic. No data for transitional and marine waters were provided.

Pressure from agriculture

The numbers of cattle, pigs and poultry have decreased by 12%, 25% and 14%, respectively. Nitrogen mineral fertilizers use at the national level during the 2008-2011 reporting period increased by about 13% compared to the previous reporting period. No information regarding nutrient balances and nitrogen discharges into the environment has been provided.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

The NVZ area is 38 351.59 km² (34.56% of the total land area), which is smaller than the previously designated NVZ area. The decrease is related to the fact that the previous NVZ area included forests, water bodies, highly urbanised industrial zones, and other non-agricultural land, which have now been excluded from the designation.

Code of good agricultural practice

The code of good agricultural practice was introduced in 2005. The new code was published in 2010.

Action programme

The action programme was lastly revised in 2011 as regards e.g. the storage of animal manure, special equipment for fertilizer application, fertilizer application rates on sloping grounds and split application of fertilizers. Most breaches to action programme measures, observed during checks, related to the absence of or inadequate storage facilities or absence of fertilization recordings.

Member State: Cyprus

Water quality

|| Monitoring  stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total Groundwater stations || 244 || 221

Total Fresh Surface water stations || 10 || 10

Total Saline water stations ||   18* ||   17*

* Winter average values

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Groundwater quality

         

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L, during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011(right).

Surface water quality

             

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No stations exceeded 50 mg nitrate per L in both reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 || Figure 4. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Eutrophication

Rivers and Lakes

Cyprus did not report on the trophic status of inland surface waters. According to the Cypriot authorities, applying methodologies based e.g. on chlorophyll-a measurements has no scientific basis in the local conditions, due to the semiarid environment, the seasonal flow variation and the river morphology.

Saline waters

Nitrate, Chlorophyll-a and orthophosphate were the monitored parameters. However, the Cypriot authorities explained that any eutrophication model could not be applied due to local climatic conditions. Likewise, it was highlighted that none of the coastal waters monitored were identified as eutrophic in the previous reporting period.

Pressure from agriculture

Application of nitrogen from manure increased by 50%, while application of nitrogen from chemical fertilizers decreased by 20%. Animal numbers were stable, except for poultry, which sharply decreased. The nitrogen discharge into the environment increased in the last reporting period as compared to the previous one.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

The nitrates vulnerable zones designation was first done in 2004 and then updated in 2008 and 2011. The last revision brought the designated area to 486 km2 (5.26% of the total territory), slightly increased as compared to 2008 (461.67 km2).

Code of good agricultural practice

The code of good agricultural practice (CGAP) was first issued in 2002 and then revised in 2007. No changes were made in the 2008-2011 period. The report highlighted the information programme put in place to improve farmers' awareness relating to the application of the CGAP.

Action programme

The action programme was first issued in 2004 and revised in 2008.

Approximately 4% of the farmers within NVZ areas were controlled annually and most of them were found compliant to the action programme measures. The main compliance difficulties concerned storage capacity and limitation of land application of fertilizers.

Member State: Czech Republic

Water quality

|| Monitoring stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total groundwater stations || 611 || 323

Total fresh surface water stations || 571 || 533

Total saline water stations || Not applicable || Not applicable

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations.

Groundwater quality

                                  

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L, during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011.

Surface water quality

                    

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 4 Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011.

Eutrophication

The trophic classification of freshwaters, in the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting period, is shown in the graphs below. Comparability might be hampered due to the use of different methodologies in the two reporting periods.

 Figure 5. Surface fresh waters eutrophication classification during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods.

Pressure from agriculture

The total pressure from agriculture decreased during the 2008-2011 reporting period as a result of a lower input from animal fertilizer and a consequent lower N balance for agricultural land. Nitrogen discharge into the environment decreased. The application of nitrogen from manure decreased by 19% and the use of chemical fertiliser increased by about 5%. Animal numbers decreased.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

The present total area of nitrate vulnerable zones is 32835.39 km², representing 41.63% of the total land area. The revision in 2011 slightly increased the total area of vulnerable zones.

Code of good agricultural practice

The code of good agricultural practice was first published in 2003 and revised in 2008.

Action programme

The last action programme dates from 2012. In the 2008-2011 reporting period, 2% farmers within NVZ were visited each year. Practically, 100% of them are reported to be compliant to the action programme measures. The few reported problems concern the storage capacities for animal manure.

Member State: Denmark

Water quality

|| Monitoring stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total groundwater stations || 595 || 589

Total fresh surface water stations || 161 || 125

Total saline water stations (coastal and marine) || 70 || 0

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations.

Groundwater quality

                 

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L, during the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Surface water quality       

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 4. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007(left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Eutrophication

Rivers and lakes

No data on rivers trophic status was provided. As regards lakes, the Water Framework Directive classification system based on the chlorophyll-a concentrations was used and the results converted to the values for trophic state according to OECD 1982, used within the context of the Nitrates Directive.

Approximately 90% of lakes were either hypertrophic or eutrophic. No data for the reporting period 2004-2007 are available for a comparison.

Figure 5. Surface fresh water (lakes only) eutrophication classification during the 2008-2011 reporting period.

Saline waters

Saline waters trophic status has been assessed by means of summer concentrations of chlorophyll-a. However, no results in terms of trophic status of saline waters were provided.

Pressure from agriculture

Agricultural pressures remained stable as the annual use of organic and inorganic N fertilizers as well as the annual production of animal manure were stable.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

No nitrates vulnerable zones have been designated in Denmark, since an action programme applies to its whole territory.

Code of good agricultural practice

Since 1993, Denmark has established measures related to good agricultural practice. Several revisions have taken place since then. These measures are obligatory in the whole Country.

Action programme

The action programme was first published in 1985 and modified at several occasions. In 2010, the Danish AgriFish Agency carried out around 914 inspections on the spot, corresponding to around 2 % of all agricultural holdings. 2,7% of the inspected holdings were reported to the police for severe violations of the provisions on rational fertilizer use. Besides, the Danish AgriFish Agency has carried out around 1834 administrative controls of the fertilizer account, where 165 (9%) holdings were sanctioned.

Member State: Estonia

Water quality

|| Monitoring stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total groundwater stations || 299 || 45

Total fresh surface water stations || 145 || 74

Total saline water stations (coastal and marine) || 39 || 9

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations.

Groundwater quality

         

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L, during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011(right).

Surface water quality

        

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods. Results are presented for all types of groundwater. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No stations exceeded 50 mg nitrate per L in both reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 || Figure 4. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Eutrophication

Rivers and lakes

The eutrophication of rivers was assessed on the basis of total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations. The report states that rivers in Estonia are small, so phytoplankton and hence the concentration of chlorophyll-a are not suitable for assessing the water quality. The assessment of eutrophication of lakes was based on the annual average concentration of total nitrogen, total phosphorus and chlorophyll-a. The majority of fresh water sites (rivers and lakes) were oligotrophic, while 9% were eutrophic or hypertrophic.

Saline waters

The assessment of eutrophication of coastal waters was based on the annual average concentration of total nitrogen, total phosphorus and chlorophyll-a. The majority of sites were mesotrophic, while 31% were eutrophic or hypertrophic. No data were reported for transitional and marine waters.

Pressure from agriculture

Agricultural pressure increased in the 2008-2011 reporting period, mainly due to increasing inputs from chemical fertilizers (+30%). This is also reflected in the increasing nitrogen discharge from agriculture to surface waters. The agricultural area increased by 9%. The number of animals showed a decreasing cattle and increasing pigs population.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

The total area of Pandivere and Adavere-Põltsamaa Nitrate Vulnerable Zone is 3,250 km2, which makes up 7.18% of the land area of Estonia. It was designated in 2003 and there have been no revisions.

Code of good agricultural practice

Good agricultural practice consists of advisory guidelines and environmental requirements determined by legislation. Adherence to the advisory guidelines is voluntary.

Action programme

Estonia has implemented an action programme in 2004 and revised it in 2009. Compliance with the different measures of the programme varies between 81 and 100%, depending on the measure.

Member State: Finland

Water quality

|| Monitoring stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total groundwater stations || 79 || 54

Total fresh surface water stations || 141 || 138

Total coastal* water stations || 44 || 43

* No transitional or marine water reported.

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations.

Groundwater quality

                

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L, during the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No stations exceeded 50 mg nitrate per L in the reporting period 2008-2011. || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Surface water quality

No stations exceeded 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L in the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011.

Figure 3. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Eutrophication

Rivers and lakes

The trophic status for fresh waters remained very similar to the previous period, with nearly 50% monitored sites being eutrophic or hypertrophic.

Saline waters

The trophic status of coastal waters has declined; more stations have become eutrophic and hypertrophic during the 2008-2011 reporting period as compared to 2004-2007. No data for transitional and marine waters were reported.

Pressure from agriculture

There were no large changes in land use. Animal manure N use was stable and N-fertilizer use slightly increased.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

No nitrates vulnerable zones have been designated in Finland, since an action programme applies to its whole territory.

Code of good agricultural practice

The code of good agricultural practice was introduced in 1998 and revised in 2000.

Action programme

The action programme was not revised during the reporting period 2008-2011. 1% of farmers were visited each year and over 95% of them complied with the action programme measures.

Member State: France

Water quality

|| Monitoring stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total groundwater stations || 2509 || 1039

Total fresh surface water stations || 3331 || 1177

Total saline water stations || 21 || 21

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations.

Groundwater quality

         

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L, during the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. Results for the 2008-2011 reporting period refer to the monitoring campaign 2010-2011. || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right). Results for the 2008-2011 reporting period refer to the monitoring campaign 2010-2011.

Surface water quality

      

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L on average during the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. Results for the 2008-2011 reporting period refer to the monitoring campaign 2010-2011 || Figure 4. Trends in surface fresh water average nitrate concentrations between the period 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right). Results for the 2008-2011 reporting period refer to the monitoring campaign 2010-2011

Eutrophication

Rivers and lakes

The eutrophication status of surface fresh waters was assessed by means of orthophosphate, total phosphorus, nitrites, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chlorophyll-a concentrations. Results were only presented for each parameter in terms of good, moderate, bad status (Water Framework Directive classification), aggregated for all water bodies. No results were reported in terms of trophic status of each water body, since no methodology is available in France for such assessment.

Saline waters

The eutrophication status of saline waters was assessed by observations of algal blooms and phytoplankton proliferations. Even though no detailed results were presented in the report, the whole coastline in France is affected by eutrophication, especially Brittany, the Atlantic coast as well as the lagoons of Languedoc-Roussillon.

Pressure from agriculture

A decrease of the agricultural area by 3% was observed between 2000 and 2010. In the same period, the agricultural holdings also decreased by 26%. Wheat, maize, barley and colza are the dominant crops with 27%, 16%, 9% and 8% of the arable crop area, respectively. Poultry numbers increased and bovines and pigs decreased. Livestock is irregularly distributed in the Country, with the majority of livestock located in the Loire Bretagne basin. At national level, France reported that fertilization practices slightly improved as well as the intercrop management. 

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

Nitrate vulnerable zones were first designated in 1994 and then extended in 2001, 2003, 2007 and 2012. The NVZ area covers 46.5% of the total land area.

Code of good agricultural practice

France reported that the analysis of agricultural practices outside nitrates vulnerable zones showed progress in relation to the application of good practices established in the Code, especially as regards fertilization and use of catch crops. The Code was not revised in the reporting period 2008-2011.

Action programme

Action programmes were established at departmental level, on the basis of a common national framework. The action programmes were first published in 1997 and modified in 2001, 2004 and 2009. France reported that the analysis of agricultural practices inside nitrates vulnerable zones showed progress, especially in relation to fertilization practices and use of catch crops.

Member State:  Germany

Water quality

|| Monitoring  stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total Groundwater stations || 162 || 162

Total Fresh Surface water stations || 300 || 231*

Total Saline water stations || 19 || 17

*Trends in winter averages only

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Groundwater quality

    

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L, during the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Surface water quality

          

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No stations exceeded 50 mg nitrate per L in all the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 || Figure 4. Trends in surface fresh water winter average nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Eutrophication

Rivers and Lakes

In the report, Germany explained that algal growth of inland waters is primarily limited by phosphate concentrations. In many waters, growth limitation by nitrogen occurs only occasionally during mid-summer. Under these circumstances there are frequently blooms of blue-green algae. Algal growth also varies considerably from year to year as a result of weather conditions, biotic interactions and other causes. For these reasons, Germany explained that there is only a very uncertain connection between chlorophyll-a and nitrogen concentrations in the form of nitrates and ammonium in inland waters. Only data on lakes were reported.

Saline waters

No quantitative information on the trophic status of saline waters was reported. However, the report quotes some information from the OSPAR and the HELCOM Conventions on eutrophication problems in marine waters, especially in the Baltic Sea.

Pressure from agriculture

Animal numbers remained stable in the reporting period 2008-2011 as compared to the period 2004-2007, except an increase in poultry. Application of nitrogen from animal origin has remained stable, while the annual use of chemical fertilizer has decreased.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

No nitrates vulnerable zones have been designated in Germany, since an action programme applies to its whole territory.

Code of good agricultural practice

The code of good agricultural practice was first published in 1996 and revised in 2006 and 2007.

Action programme

The action programme was first published in 1996 and revised in 2006 and 2007. The Bundesländers are responsible for the implementation of the action programme including monitoring, supervision, farmers education, training and advisory services. During the years 2007-2010 on average 4100 farmers (1.15% of the total number of CAP single payments applicants) were checked annually, in the framework of cross compliance checks. Of these, 4.9%, 4.1% and 0.9% each year respectively were penalized with a reduction in payment by 1, 3 and 5% respectively.

[4]       Malta reported only fresh surface water data for the year2012.

[5]       Trophic status assessment provided only for 7 stations for transitional waters

[6]       Winter averages values

[7]       Malta reported only saline surface water data for the year 2012.

Member State: Greece

Water quality

|| Monitoring stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total groundwater stations || 370 || 370

Total fresh surface water stations || 105 || 104

Total saline water stations (transitional only) || 11 || 11

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations.

Groundwater quality

                   

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. For the period 2008-2011, data refer to the year 2008. || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011.Trends between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 are not available. For the period 2008-2011, data refer to the year 2008

Surface water quality

No surface freshwater stations exceeded 25 mg nitrate per L in the period 2008-2011.

Figure 3. Trends in surface waters nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Eutrophication

Rivers and lakes

The trophic status of rivers was assessed on the basis of the average multi-annual nitrate concentrations. Also ammonium-N, total phosphorus and BOD were measured. The trophic status of lakes was assessed on the basis of summer chlorophyll-measurements; also total phosphorus and total nitrogen were monitored. According to the dataset, 62.9% of fresh waters were mesotrophic, 9.5% eutrophic and the remaining fraction was oligotrophic. However, according to the textual report, as regards lakes, out of a total of 27 sampling points in 21 different lakes in Greece, 11 points were designated as oligotrophic, 6 points were designated as mesotrophic and 10 points were designated as eutrophic. As regards rivers, the report presented 18 water bodies classified as oligotrophic and 71 water bodies classified as mesotrophic.

Figure 4. Fresh water eutrophication classification during the 2008-2011 reporting period

Saline waters

No methodology was presented as regards the assessment of the trophic status of saline waters. Only the trophic status of transitional waters was presented.

 

Figure 5. Saline water eutrophication classification during the 2008-2011 reporting period

Pressure from agriculture

The areas of agricultural and pasture land decreased by 15 and 47%, respectively, in 2008-2011 as compared to 2004-2007. The application of nitrogen from manure slightly increased while chemical fertilizers application decreased in the same period.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

Nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZ) were first designated in 1999 (four areas) and then extended in 2001 (additional three areas) and 2010 (one additional area). At the end of 2012 the NVZ area covered 31962.81 Km2, corresponding to 24.27% of the total land area.

Code of good agricultural practice

The code of good agricultural practice (CGAP) was first issued in 1994 and revised in 2000.

Action programme

Seven action programmes have been established for each of the NVZ areas, four in 2001 and three in 2006. No action programme has been established for the NVZ area established in 2010.

Member State: Hungary

Water quality

|| Monitoring stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total groundwater stations || 1763 || 1720

Total fresh surface water stations || 525 || 212

Total saline water stations || Not applicable || Not applicable

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations.

Groundwater quality

  

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Surface water quality

 

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 4. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Eutrophication

Approximately 35% of fresh water monitoring sites were eutrophic. This was mainly caused by rivers, of which 38% of sites were eutrophic, while the percentage of eutrophic lake monitoring sites was 7%. The proportion of eutrophic fresh water sites decreased between the reporting periods 2008-2011 and 2004-2007. However, a direct comparison is not possible due to the different classification systems used in the two reporting periods. The report presents a comparison between the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods, based on the individual parameters. These also indicate that the proportion of eutrophic surface fresh water sites decreased.

Figure 6. Surface fresh water eutrophication classification during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011

Pressure from agriculture

The agricultural pressure did not show significant changes. The assessment, however, is hampered by many changes in used methodologies. Inside the NVZs, nitrogen surpluses showed a gradual increase, remaining, however, negative.

The agricultural area decreased by 5% in the period 2008-2011 as compared to 2004-2007. The agricultural land available for application of manure decreased even further (-20%). The number of cattle and pigs decreased by 3% and 17% respectively, while the number of poultry increased by 30%. The use of manure increased by 13%, while the use of mineral fertilizer remained stable. Hungary reported a relative large amount of inorganic nitrogen from other sources than livestock (sewage sludge).

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

Hungary designated NVZs in 2007. The area remained unchanged in the 2008-2011 period, when the NVZ area was 42 519 km², corresponding to about 46% of the total territory.

Code of good agricultural practice

The code of good agricultural practice forms integral part of the action programme and applies to all farmers in the NVZs.

Action programme

The action programme was first published in 2001 and modified in 2008. Compliance with action programme measures is generally high (95 to 100% per provision), although poor data delivery by small farms and lack of financial resources for investments in manure storages were often observed during checks. In the 2008-2011 reporting period, compliance checks were carried out on 2.7% of the farms located within NVZ.

Member State:  Ireland

Water quality

|| Monitoring  stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total Groundwater stations || 211 || 204

Total Fresh Surface water stations || 252 || 209

Total Saline water stations || 104 || 101

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Groundwater quality

   

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No stations exceeded 50 mg nitrate per L in the reporting period 2008-2011. || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Surface water quality

       

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the period 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No stations exceeded 50 mg nitrate per L in all the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. || Figure 4. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Eutrophication

Rivers and Lakes

Trophic status in lakes was assessed using a modification of the OECD (1982) classification scheme, based on the annual maximum chlorophyll concentrations. Trophic status in rivers was assessed using both biological responses and additional physico-chemical elements (such as phosphate, nitrate, ammonia, dissolved oxygen and BOD).

Figure 5. Surface fresh water eutrophication classification during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods

Saline waters

The assessment of the trophic status of saline waters was carried out using the Trophic Status Assessment Scheme (TSAS) (EPA, 2005).  None of the water bodies were found to be eutrophic, with stable trends in the trophic status in 88% of transitional and 100% of coastal waters.

Pressure from agriculture

Compared to the 2004-2007 period, in the period 2008-2011 the area of agricultural land increased, as well as the number of farmers. Animal numbers decreased, with consequent reduced animal manure N production. The application of N from mineral fertilizers slightly decreased as well. The total N discharge to the environment from agriculture declined.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

No nitrates vulnerable zones have been designated in Ireland, since an action programme applies to its whole territory

Code of good agricultural practice

The code of good agricultural practice was first published in 1996. Since 2005 it has been superseded by the action programme applying to the entire territory.

Action programme

The action programme was first published in 2005 and revised in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010. The Country is divided into three zones for the purposes of the action programme application.  These zones are related to the length of the growing season, climate, soil types and other parameters. The percentage of farmers inspected each year increased from 1% in the period 2004-2007 to 4% in the period 2008-2011.

Member State: Italy

Water quality

|| Monitoring stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total groundwater stations || 5331 || 4201

Total fresh surface water stations || 2463 || 1754

Total saline water stations || 582 || 405

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations.

Groundwater quality

          

Surface water quality      

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 4. Trends in surface fresh waters  nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Eutrophication

Rivers and lakes

To assess the trophic status of rivers and lakes, the type-specific classification developed under the Water Framework Directive was used. In particular, the descriptors LIMeco for rivers and LTLeco for lakes were used. Expert judgment was used to transfer the measured data into the classification system used for the Nitrates Directive.

The majority of rivers and lakes was found to be oligotrophic or ultra-oligotrophic, 16% of them was classified as eutrophic and 4% as hypertrophic.

Saline waters

The trophic status of transitional waters was assessed by means of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and reactive phosphorus. The TRIX (Trophic State Index according to MEDPOL Convention) was used for coastal waters as well as for marine waters. Of all saline waters 61% was classified as oligotrophic, while 2% and 15% as hypertrophic and eutrophic, respectively. No data of previous periods were available for a comparison.

Pressure from agriculture

The pressure from agriculture decreased in the period 2008-2011 as compared to the period 2004-2007, especially regarding the amounts of nitrogen applied chemical fertilizers (-32%). The evolution of animal numbers showed an increase for pigs and poultry and a decrease for cattle.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

Nitrate vulnerable zones cover 13.07% of the total Italian territory, which is slightly higher as compared to the previous reporting period.

Code of good agricultural practice

The code of good agricultural practice (CGAP) was first issued in 1999. Most regions make use of the national code. Exceptions are the Regions Apulia, Sicily and Autonomous Province of Bolzano, which have established regional codes.

Action programme

In total, eighteen action programmes have been established at regional level. Main problems with implementation of the action programme measures concern compliance with closed periods for fertilizers application, application near water courses and on snow covered, frozen and flooded grounds.

Member State: Latvia

Water quality

|| Monitoring stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total groundwater stations || 174 || 140

Total fresh surface water stations ||  339 || 157

Total saline water stations || 45 || 30

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations.

Groundwater quality

                                  

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No stations exceeded 50 mg nitrate per L in both reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011

Surface water quality                          

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No stations exceeded 50 mg nitrate per L in both reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. || Figure 4. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the period 2004-2007 and 2008-2011

Eutrophication

Rivers and lakes

River trophic status was assessed by means of the annual average phosphate concentration, the total phosphorus concentration and the winter average nitrate concentration. In the 2008-2011 period, the concentrations of these parameters corresponding to the different trophic conditions of rivers, differed from those used in the 2004-2007. Therefore, the comparison between reporting periods may be hampered. Lake trophic status was assessed by means of the annual average concentration of total phosphorus, the annual average concentration of total nitrogen, as well as maximum chlorophyll-a concentration during the summer season.

Approximately 13% of surface fresh waters monitoring sites were either eutrophic or hypertrophic. This was mainly related to lakes, where 22% of sites were eutrophic or hypertrophic. The trophic status of fresh waters was stable in the reporting period 2008-2011 compared to 2004-2007.

Figure 5. Surface fresh water eutrophication classification during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods.

Saline waters

Saline waters trophic status was assessed by means of winter nitrate and phosphate concentrations and summer chlorophyll-a concentrations. In the 2008-2011 reporting period, all monitoring sites in saline waters were classified as eutrophic, while in the 2004-2007 reporting period all sites were in mesotrophic status.

Pressure from agriculture

In 2008-2011, a slight expansion of the agricultural area took place and mineral fertilizer use increased as compared to the period 2004-2007. At the same time, the pressure from livestock decreased, due to a reduction in the number of animals. The nitrogen balance was not reported and data on nitrogen discharge were incomplete for the previous period, making a comparison not possible. 

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

Nitrate vulnerable zones were first designated in 2004 and revised in 2009. They cover a total land area of 8258.7 km2, which is 12.8% of the area of Latvia and encompass the largest part of the Lielupe river basin, a small part of the Daugava and Gauja river basins and a minor part of the Venta river basin. In the previous period, the NVZ area was slightly smaller (8173.54 km2).

Code of good agricultural practice

The code of good agricultural practice (CGAP) was first issued in 1999 and revised in 2008. Some of the measures in the new edition of the CGAP are compulsory, but others have been included as voluntary agri-environmental measures in the Rural Development Plan.

Action programme

The action programme was first published in March 2004 and modified in January 2011. Changes related notably to closed periods, maximum nitrogen application rates, application rules on slopes, and temporary manure storage on fields. In the reporting period 2008-2011, between 1.4 and 3.5% of farms were inspected annually. The majority of irregularities were identified in relation to livestock manure storage vessels (identified in 9% of the inspections). Overall, 46.5% to 76.5% of agricultural holdings in the nitrates vulnerable zones were found to be compliant with environmental protection requirements.

Member State: Lithuania

Water quality

|| Monitoring stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total groundwater stations || 62 || 62

Total fresh surface water stations || 291 || 69

Total saline water stations || 17 || 17

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations.

Groundwater quality

                

Figure 2. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 3. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011.

Surface water quality

                  

Figure 4. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No stations exceeded 50 mg nitrate per L in both reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. || Figure 5. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011.

Eutrophication

Rivers and lakes

The eutrophication status of surface fresh waters was assessed with chlorophyll-a (Vinberg’s scale). This parameter was measured in four large river monitoring stations, which were all found to be eutrophic, as in the previous reporting period. 46% of the monitored lakes or ponds were eutrophic or hypertrophic, which was nearly similar to the previous reporting period.

Figure 6. Surface fresh water eutrophication classification during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011.

Saline waters

The eutrophication status of transitional, coastal and open sea waters was assessed by means of chlorophyll-a and nitrate-N concentrations. The report contained information on annual, winter and maximum nitrate-N concentrations and changes compared to 2004-2007 period, as well as chlorophyll-a concentrations. The average summer chlorophyll-a concentrations in the coastal and open sea waters was respectively about 5,78 and  2,83 µg/l. However, the report did not conclude on the eutrophication status of coastal and marine waters.

As regards transitional waters, all of them were found to be eutrophic in the period 2008-2011.

Pressure from agriculture

In the period 2008-2011, the agricultural area remained stable as compared to the period 2004-2007. The number of cattle and pigs decreased, while the number of poultry slightly increased. The use of manure seems to be reduced drastically, but this is partly caused by a new calculation method used for assessing livestock nitrogen excretion. Information on nitrogen inputs from fertiliser and nitrogen discharges to the environment were not reported.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

No nitrates vulnerable zones have been designated in Lithuania, since an action programme applies to its whole territory.

Code of good agricultural practice

Lithuania has implemented the Advanced Farming Rules and Guidelines for all farmers.

Action programme

The action programme was lastly modified in 2008. Much emphasis was laid on improving manure and slurry store facilities, including a minimum storage capacity of six months. Farmers were trained and educated in good agricultural practices improving nutrient efficiency.

Member State:  Luxembourg

Water quality

|| Monitoring  stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total Groundwater stations || 20 || 19

Total Fresh Surface water stations || 16 || 16

Total Saline water stations || Not applicable || Not applicable

Table 1.  Number of water monitoring stations

Groundwater  quality

  

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Surface water quality

 

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L on average during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No stations exceeded 50 mg nitrate per L in both reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 || Figure 4. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Eutrophication

The eutrophication status of fresh waters was assessed by means of nitrate, orthophosphate, total phosphate and chlorophyll-a concentrations, as well as indices based on diatoms and macrophytes. Results for lakes were not included in the report; those for rivers are presented in the figure below.

Figure 5. Surface fresh waters (rivers only) eutrophication classification during the 2008-2011 reporting period

Pressure from agriculture

In 2008-2011, the agricultural area remained similar compared to the previous reporting period. The total nitrogen use from manure remained stable, whereas the use of mineral N decreased. The nitrogen discharge from agriculture decreased by around 7% compared to the previous reporting period.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

No nitrates vulnerable zones have been designated in Luxembourg, since an action programme applies to its whole territory.

Code of good agricultural practice

The code of good agricultural practice was published in 2000.

Action programme

The action programme was first published in 2000 and revised in 2010 and 2012. The latest revision brought some changes in the periods of prohibition of fertilizer application, application of fertilizers on sloping ground and storage capacity requirements.

Due to the implementation of the action programme, a reduction in the use of mineral fertilizer has been observed, as well as an increase in the use of fertilizer plans and an increase in the total storage capacity. Other aspects, such as crop rotations and soil testing have also been developed. Considering controls, a breach to the regulations was found in 34% of the cases. The majority of these breaches related to nitrogen application standards or the maximum allowed amount of organic nitrogen per hectare per year.

Member State: Malta

Water quality

|| Monitoring  stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total Groundwater stations || 41 || 0

Total Fresh Surface water stations || 7 || 0

Total Saline water stations || 6 || 3

Table 1.  Number of water monitoring stations

Groundwater quality

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage].

Groundwater quality trends were not reported.

Surface water quality

Figure 2. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. In absence of data for the period 2008-2011, data for 2012 are presented

Surface waters quality trends were not reported.

Eutrophication

Rivers and lakes

The eutrophication status of fresh waters was based on nitrate concentrations. Results are presented in the figure below, for rivers and lakes.

Figure 3. Surface fresh waters eutrophication classification during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011

Saline waters

The assessment of the eutrophication status of transitional waters was based on nitrate concentrations. Coastal waters are assessed with chlorophyll-a, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, total phosphorus and oxygen saturation (TRIX method). Marine sites were not reported. About 76 % of monitored saline sites were found eutrophic.

Figure 4. Saline waters water eutrophication classification during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011

Pressure from agriculture

The agricultural area has remained similar compared to the 2004-2007 reporting period. Based on Eurostat data, livestock numbers decreased by 5 to 20%, thus determining a reduction in nitrogen excretion as well. Information on nitrogen balance and nitrogen discharge into the environment were not reported or incomplete, making an assessment of trends not possible.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

No nitrates vulnerable zones have been designated in Malta, since an action programme applies to its whole territory.

Code of good agricultural practice

The code of good agricultural practice was published in 2004.

Action programme

The action programme was first published in 2004 and then revised in 2011. Information and communication campaigns have accompanied the action programme implementation. Approximately 9% of all farmers were inspected during the last reporting period. The highest percentage of non-compliance (82%) was found for record keeping. Implementation of requirements relating to prohibition periods for manure application was also difficult in some cases. Storage volumes have been increasing.

Member State: Netherlands

Water quality

|| Monitoring stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total groundwater stations || 1308 || 1247

Total fresh surface water stations || 457 || 266

Total saline water stations || 43 || 4

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations.

Groundwater quality

 

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all  groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Surface water quality

   

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No stations exceeded 25 mg nitrate per L in the reporting period 2008-2011. || Figure 4. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Eutrophication

In the 2008-2011 reporting period, all fresh and transitional waters were classified as either eutrophic or hypertrophic. The data did not include information on eutrophication for coastal and marine waters. The report, however, presented the chlorophyll-a concentrations for coastal and marine waters.

Figure 5. Surface fresh waters (left) and transitional waters (right) eutrophication classification during the reporting period 2008-2011. No data were available for the period 2004-2007.

Pressure from agriculture

The agricultural area decreased slightly due to urban and nature developments. The number of pigs and poultry increased by 7% and 8% respectively, while the number of cattle slightly increased. The use of manure remained at the same level, while the use of mineral fertiliser nitrogen was reduced (-18%). The nitrogen soil surplus decreased. The nitrogen discharge from agriculture to surface water increased, also relative to other sources of nitrogen emission to surface water.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

No nitrates vulnerable zones have been designated in the Netherlands, since an action programme applies to its whole territory.

Code of good agricultural practice

A code of good agricultural practice was introduced in 1993 and is now part of the action programme.

Action programme

The action programme was modified in 2010 through a gradual tightening of the N and P application standards, an increase of the established efficiency coefficients for manure and a larger required storage capacity together with longer closed periods. Administrative checks performed in 2009 showed that 3% of the farms were fined for infringements.

Member State: Poland

Water quality

|| Monitoring stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total groundwater stations || 1258 || 1125

Total fresh surface water stations || 2801 || 1579

Total saline water stations || 46 || 22

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations.

Groundwater quality

             

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No reference year was specified for values reported in 2008-2011 || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011.

Surface water quality

                  

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No reference year was specified for values reported in 2008-2011 || Figure 4. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011

Eutrophication

Rivers and lakes

The eutrophication status of rivers was assessed with nitrate concentrations, total nitrogen, total phosphate, and chlorophyll-a. The eutrophication status of lakes was assessed with total nitrogen, total phosphate, transparency and chlorophyll-a.  Approximately 43% of fresh water sites were eutrophic or hypertrophic. Especially lakes had a high proportion of eutrophic and hypertrophic monitoring sites (86%).

Saline waters

The eutrophication status of transitional and coastal waters was assessed by means of nitrate concentrations, total nitrogen, total phosphate, transparency and chlorophyll-a. In transitional and coastal waters, 26% and 39% of monitoring sites were eutrophic or hypertrophic, respectively. Marine waters were not reported.

     

Figure 5. Surface fresh waters (left) and transitional and coastal waters (right) eutrophication classification during the 2008-2011 reporting period (no data for the previous period).

Pressure from agriculture

Agricultural pressure increased from the 2004-2007 to the 2008-2011 reporting period. The agricultural area decreased by 4%. The number of poultry increased significantly by 31%, while the number of pigs decreased by 12%. Cattle increased by 7%, while sheep showed a major decrease of 43%. The annual use of manure and fertilizer showed a small increase. Nitrogen surpluses were stable, but the nitrogen discharge from agriculture increased.  

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

Poland designated 19 NVZ areas, corresponding to about 1.5% of the total territory in 2008. The NVZ area was reduced by 774 km² compared to the 2004-2007 reporting period. In 2012, Poland designated about 4.5% of its territory.

Code of good agricultural practice

Poland published the code of good agricultural practice in 2002. The last revision took place in 2004.

Action programme

Different action programmes were established in the NVZs. A revision took place in 2008 and then again in 2012. According to the reported information, compliance varied from 12 to 100%, depending on NVZ and measure.

Member State:  Portugal

Water quality

|| Monitoring  stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total Groundwater stations || 657 || 586

Total Fresh Surface water stations || 148 || 110

Total Saline water stations || 55 || 2

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations.

Groundwater quality      

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Surface water quality

 

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the previous reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No stations exceeded 50 mg nitrate per L in reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 || Figure 4. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Eutrophication

Rivers and lakes

The eutrophication status of rivers was assessed on the basis of dissolved oxygen, nitrate concentrations and total phosphorus (the worst of these three parameters). The trophic classes were defined differently for the northern and southern rivers, due to difference in calcium carbonate content. The assessment was originally reported as "good" or "less than good" status and later transformed into the classes used for the purposes of the Nitrates Directive (oligotrophic, mesotrophic, eutrophic and hypertrophic).

The eutrophication status of lakes was assessed by means of chlorophyll-a (Carlson index). The percentage of eutrophic water bodies was 4% for rivers and 54% for lakes.

Figure 5. Surface fresh water eutrophication classification during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods

Saline waters

No information was presented on the eutrophication status of transitional, coastal and marine waters.

Pressure from agriculture

Land use did not change significantly. Nitrogen use from livestock manure and mineral fertilizer both substantially decreased. The number of pigs decreased by 24%, while the number of poultry increased by 21%. According to reported data, the total N surplus for all nitrates vulnerable zones amounted to -11.8 Mt N for livestock farms and 14.6 Mt N for arable farms. Nitrogen discharge into the environment was not reported in the previous period, making an assessment of the trend not possible.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

At the end of the year 2012, the total NVZ area covered 4046.8 km2, or 4.4% of the total territory. Mainland Portugal has nine NVZs (4011 km2) and the Azores Islands have eight NVZs (about 36 km²).

Code of good agricultural practice

Portugal first published a Code of Good Agricultural Practice (CGAP) in 1997, including management of livestock effluents and agricultural sludge recovery. At the time of reporting, the CGAP was under review, focusing on specific aspects such as: proximity to watercourses, effluent and sludge storage facilities, limitation of nitrogen flows, fertilisation plans and application records.

Action programme

In most NVZs, the action programme was first published in 1998 and revised several times until 2010. Several measures were reinforced through the different revisions. As regards controls, the number of farms visited varied from 1% to 26%, depending on the NVZ. The most challenging measures in terms of compliance related to storage capacity (40% of farms were found compliant), rational use of fertilizers (41%) and the 170 Kg/ha/year obligation (43%).

Member State:  Romania

Water quality

|| Monitoring  stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total Groundwater stations || 1805 || 929

Total Fresh Surface water stations || 1116 || 888

Total Saline water stations || 54 || 41

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Groundwater quality          

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011.

Surface water quality           

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 4. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011

Eutrophication

Rivers and Lakes

The trophic status of fresh waters was assessed by means of the following parameters: P-tot, N-tot, PO4, NO3, NO2, Chlorophyll-a, Secchi depth, BOD5, and DO. A detailed description of the threshold values for each parameter was not presented in the report. The trophic status was reported only for lakes.

Figure 5. Surface fresh water (lakes only) eutrophication classification during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods.

Saline Waters

Romania used P-tot, N-tot, PO4, NO3, NO2, Chlorophyll-a, DO and DIN as parameters for determining the trophic status of saline waters. However, no results were presented in the report.

Pressure from agriculture

As compared to the 2004-2007 period, in the 2008-2011 period the pressure from agriculture decreased regarding the numbers of animals, with a significant drop in cattle and pig numbers. The use of organic nitrogen also decreased while the application of mineral fertilizers increased. The N-balance in most NVZ areas was below 15 kg N per ha. The total N discharge from agriculture decreased.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

Nitrate vulnerable zones were first designated in 2005 and then revised in 2008 and brought to a total area of 137803.8 km² (representing about 58% of the country).

Code of good agricultural practice

The code of good agricultural practice was first issued in 2003 and then revised in 2005. No changes were made in the 2008-2011 period.

Action programme

The action programme was first published in 2000 and then revised in 2010. New elements in the latest revision concerned the period of prohibition of manure application, the requirements for balanced fertilization, the rules for application of fertilizers in the proximity of water courses and on slopes, measures for crop rotation and keeping of records. 0.14% of the total number of farmers were visited in the reporting period. The degree of compliance depended on the measure. Notably, an average of 77.5% farmers within NVZ were compliant to requirements on storage capacity. Some difficulties in the implementation of the action programme related to lack of funds and lack of technical equipment and expertise, especially in small and medium-sized farms.

Member State: Slovakia

Water quality

|| Monitoring stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total groundwater stations || 1717 || 681

Total fresh surface water stations || 852 || 236

Total saline water stations || Not applicable || Not applicable

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations.

Groundwater quality

                                      

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. Comparability between the two periods might be hampered due to a substantial change in the monitoring network || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011

Surface water quality                         

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. In lakes, no stations exceeded 25 mg nitrates per L. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 4. Trends in surface fresh water (rivers only) nitrate concentrations between the period 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Trends for lakes were not reported.

Eutrophication

The eutrophication status of rivers was assessed by means of chlorophyll-a, nitrate concentrations, orthophosphate and total phosphate concentrations. In lakes, total phosphate, chlorophyll-a and transparency were used.

Approximately 37% of fresh waters monitoring sites were either eutrophic or hypertrophic. This is mainly related to lakes, including reservoirs, where 88% of sites were eutrophic or hypertrophic.                A direct comparison between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 is not possible for several reasons, including the fact that the 2004-2007 analysis only included 49 monitoring sites, while the 2008-2011 one was based on data from 398 monitoring sites.

Figure 5. Surface fresh water eutrophication classification during the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011.

Pressure from agriculture

The nitrogen surplus in nitrate vulnerable zone was relatively low, being estimated at 14 kg N/ha in 2008-2011 and 2 kg N/ha in 2004-2007. Slightly increasing agricultural pressures were due the growth of mineral fertilizer use. At the same time, the pressure from livestock decreased, due to a reduction in the number of animals, especially pigs by 45%.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

Nitrate vulnerable zones were first designated in 2003. In 2012, they covered a total land area of 14.622 km2, which was 29.8 % of the territory of Slovakia.

Code of good agricultural practice

The code of good agricultural practice (CGAP) was issued in 2001 and never revised. It is estimated that approximately 30% of farmers outside nitrates vulnerable zones apply measures of the CGAP.

Action programme

The action programme was first published in 2004 and modified in 2008 and 2011. The action programme measures are differentiated in the three regions having low, medium and high level of farming restriction. These regions were defined based on soil, soil, hydrology, geography, and environmental parameters. As regards controls, in the reporting period 2008-2011, 98% to 100% of controlled farms were compliant with the action programme measures.

Member State:  Slovenia

Water quality

|| Monitoring stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total Groundwater stations || 104 || 104

Total Fresh Surface water stations || 139 || 109

Total Saline water stations || 5 || 5

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations.

Groundwater quality

                          

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011.

Surface water quality 

                       

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No stations exceeded 50 mg nitrate per L in both reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 || || Figure 4. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011

Eutrophication

Rivers and lakes

The eutrophication status of rivers is assessed by means of nitrate concentrations, phytobenthos and macrophytes. The eutrophication of lakes is assessed by means of phytoplankton biomass, average annual total phosphorus content, average annual nitrogen content, average annual and minimum transparency depth, and average annual and maximum chlorophyll content. Approximately 4% of fresh waters monitoring sites are either eutrophic or hypertrophic. This is mainly caused by lakes, of which 41.7% of sites were eutrophic or hypertrophic. No comparison is possible between the two reporting periods for rivers, as no data were reported in 2004-2007. As regards lakes, less monitoring sites were found in hypertrophic status.

Figure 5. Surface fresh water eutrophication classification (left: period 2004-2007 (lakes only); right: period 2008-2011 (rivers and lakes).

Saline waters

The trophic status of coastal waters was assessed by means of chlorophyll-a content. All monitoring sites in coastal waters were ultra-oligotrophic. No data were reported for transitional and marine waters.

Pressure from agriculture

The agricultural area remained nearly similar as compared to the 2004-2007 reporting period. The number of pigs decreased by 27%, while the number of poultry increased by 30%. The use of manure and mineral fertilizer decreased by 3% and 10%, respectively.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

No nitrates vulnerable zones have been designated in Slovenia, since an action programme applies to its whole territory.

Code of good agricultural practice

The code of good agricultural practice is included in the action programme and applies to all farmers.

Action programme

The action programme was first published in 2008 and modified in 2009. Farmers are trained and educated in good agricultural practices that improve nutrient efficiency. Controls were carried out, but exact data on non-compliance were not reported. In the 2008–2011 period, the agricultural inspectorate conducted 3346 inspections, giving an average of 837 inspections per year.

Member State: Spain

Water quality

|| Monitoring stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total groundwater stations || 4770 || 2644

Total fresh surface water stations || 3733 || 2072

Total marine water stations || 631 || 629

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations.

Groundwater quality

 

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage] || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Surface water quality

 

Figure 3. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 4. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011(right)

Eutrophication

Rivers and lakes

Spain used the following parameters to establish eutrophication for rivers and lakes: BOD-5, Chlorophyll-a, DO, NO2, NO3, N-tot, P-tot and Secchi depth. For fresh water the trophic status improved with an increase percentage of ultra-oligotrophic and oligotrophic stations and a decrease of the percentage of mesotrophic, eutrophic and hypertrophic stations.

Figure 5. Surface fresh water eutrophication classification during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods

Saline waters

Spain used the following parameters to establish eutrophication for saline waters: Chlorophyll-a, DIN, DIP, NO2, NO3, N-tot, P-tot and Secchi depth. In transitional and coastal waters the percentage of ultra-oligotrophic increased as well as eutrophic stations. In the period 2008-2011, no marine stations were reported. In the period 2004-2007, only 4 marine stations were reported.

Figure 6. Transitional and coastal eutrophication classification during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods

Pressure from agriculture

The pressure from agriculture decreased regarding the numbers of animals, animal manure use and the nitrogen balance. No conclusions regarding the N discharge into the environment can be made due to a lack of results on a national scale.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

There have been changes regarding vulnerable zones in several autonomous communities in the years 2008-2011: Andalusia, Aragon, the Balearic Islands, Castile-La-Mancha, Castile-Leon, Catalonia, Rioja, Madrid, Murcia, Navarre, the Basque Country and Valencia. The total NVZ area covers 16.15% of the Spanish territory.

Code of good agricultural practice

During the 2008-2011 reporting period, the Codes of Good Agricultural Practice were revised in Castile-Leon (2009), Catalonia (2009), Basque Country (2010) and Valencia (2011).

Action programme

The dates of first publication and revisions vary for different autonomous regions. On a regional scale, the percentage of farmers visited each year is around 1%. Most farmers comply with the measures, but in certain regions manure storage capacity and the respect of the 170 kg N from manure limit are insufficient.

Member State: Sweden

Water quality

|| Monitoring stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total groundwater stations || 326 || 0*

Total fresh surface water stations || 2455 || 0*

Total saline water stations || 235 || 0*

*Sweden reported trends on groundwater stations, fresh surface water stations and saline mater stations for longer periods than 4 years, only in the written report.

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations.

Groundwater quality

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No stations exceeded 50 mg per L in the reporting periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007

Sweden provided no data regarding trends of nitrate in groundwater as compared to the previous reporting period 2004-2007 but only a long term trend analysis, which showed that, during the last three reporting periods, groundwater quality was stable in most stations. However, during the period 2001-2010, a small upward trend was found in a number of them.

Surface water quality

None of the fresh surface water measuring stations showed nitrate concentrations exceeding 25 mg/L. The long term trend analysis showed that, in the last 20 years, the nitrate concentration decreased by two-thirds. Regarding phosphate, water quality was found to be stable in most of the lakes.

Almost all stations in transitional, coastal and marine stations showed winter average nitrate values below 2 mg /L.

Eutrophication

Rivers and lakes

The eutrophication status of rivers and lakes was assessed using total N, total P and nitrates concentrations. Based on digitally provided data, which used total P for the classification, 42% of the rivers were classified as oligotrophic, 23% as mesotrophic, 32% as eutrophic and 4% as hypertrophic. For lakes these figures were 60%, 26%, 13% and 1%, respectively.

Saline waters

As regards the trophic status of marine waters, the Skagerrak deep-sea areas and Gulf of Bothnia were classified in good status; the Bothnian Sea in good/moderate status; the Skagerrak coastal areas and Kattegat deep-sea areas in moderate status; the Kattegat coastal areas in unsatisfactory/moderate status and the Baltic Proper in unsatisfactory status.

Figure 2. The quality status of coastal and marine waters in Sweden

Pressure from agriculture

The pressure from agriculture increased with respect to animal manure application, while the mineral fertilizer use decreased, leading to a reduction of the average nitrogen surplus by nearly 50% in 2009 as compared to 1995, when it was 58 kg N/ha. For holdings with more than 1 livestock unit per ha, an average N surplus of c.a. 65 kg N per ha was reported. In some areas the surplus decreased (e.g. Götaland southern plains) while in others it increased (e.g. Götaland central districts). The load of N to the sea kept fluctuating around 10000 tonnes per year and slightly increased in 2009 as compared to 2005. In the same period, the load of nitrogen to the sea from urban waste water increased by 4%, whereas the industrial load decreased by 19%.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

Nitrate vulnerable zones were first designated in 1995 and revised in 2002, 2003 and lastly in 2011. In 2012, they covered approximately 50 % of the total agricultural land area in Sweden, corresponding to about 22% of the total land area.

Code of good agricultural practice

The code of good agricultural practice was issued in 2007 and revised several times, as part of the regulation SJVFS 2004:62.

Action programme

The action programme was first published in 1999 and modified several times, also in relation to the extension of the NVZ areas. The checks performed both inside and outside vulnerable zones showed that approximately 10% of the farmers were non-compliant regarding manure storage and less than 1% regarding stocking density and application of manure.

Member State:  United Kingdom

Water quality

|| Monitoring  stations with measurements || Monitoring stations with trends

Total Groundwater stations || 2533 (England) + 317 (Scotland) + 180 (Wales) + 58 (Northern Ireland) || 1998 (England) + 132 (Scotland) + 180 (Wales) + 13 (Northern Ireland)

Total Fresh Surface water stations || 5273 (England) + 311 (Scotland) + 1172 (Wales) + 621 (Northern Ireland) || 4519 (England) + 227 (Scotland) + 846 (Wales) + 555 (Northern Ireland)

Total Saline water stations || 638 (England) + 171 (Scotland) + 129 (Wales) +  126 (Northern Ireland) || 385 (England) + 54 (Scotland) + 74 (Wales) + 0* (Northern Ireland)

* Aggregated data on trends were reported only in the written report

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Groundwater quality

ENGLAND

  

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 2. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

SCOTLAND   

Figure 3. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 4. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

WALES  

Figure 5. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 6. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

NORTHERN IRELAND  

Figure 7. Percentage of groundwater stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. Results are presented for all groundwater stations (at different depths). [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No stations exceeded 50 mg per L in the reporting period 2008-2011. || Figure 8. Trends in groundwater nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Surface water quality

ENGLAND

 

Figure 9. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 10. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

SCOTLAND

 

Figure 11. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No stations exceeded 50 mg per L in both reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. || Figure 12. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

WALES

 

Figure 13. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 reporting periods. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. || Figure 14. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

NORTHERN IRELAND

 

Figure 15. Percentage of surface fresh water stations exceeding 25 or 50 mg nitrate per L during the reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011. [x-axis: average concentrations of nitrates expressed as mg/l; y-axis: number of monitoring stations, in percentage]. No stations exceeded 50 mg per L in both reporting periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 || Figure 16. Trends in surface fresh water nitrate concentrations between the periods 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (left) and between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 (right).

Eutrophication

Rivers and Lakes

The parameters considered for the assessment of the trophic status of fresh waters were the following: i) England and Wales: chlorophyll-a and orthophosphate concentrations; ii) Scotland: total P, chlorophyll-a and bio-indicators; iii) Northern Ireland: soluble reactive phosphorus, diatoms and macrophytes for rivers; total P, chlorophyll-a, diatoms and macrophytes for lakes.

England, Scotland, Wales presented results based on an expert review group and following the classification of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). In order to identify waters that are eutrophic or that in the near future may become eutrophic if preventive action is not taken, the review group considered the current condition of the water body, the presence of any undesirable effects (e.g. deoxygenation, algal blooms, etc.) and whether N is involved in causing (or being likely to cause) such phenomena. Northern Ireland also carried out a WFD assessment of the trophic status of water bodies, however also proposed a classification following the Nitrates Directive reporting guidelines, summarized in the figure below. Overall, 38 freshwater bodies were identified as eutrophic or likely to become so in England and Wales, no water bodies were identified in Scotland and 11 catchments in Northern Ireland.

Saline waters

The trophic status of marine waters was not reported. For transitional and coastal waters, England, Scotland and Wales adopted the same approach described for freshwaters. Northern Ireland assessed the trophic status based on the following parameters: dissolved inorganic N, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a and macro-algae. 7 sites were identified as eutrophic or likely to become so in England and Wales, 1 in Scotland and 6 catchments in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland also classified the monitored sites according to the Nitrates Directive reporting guidelines, as shown in the figure below.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Figure 17. Surface fresh waters (left) and saline waters (transitional and coastal, right) eutrophication classification during the 2008-2011 reporting period

Pressure from agriculture

The area of agricultural land increased in England and Scotland and decreased in Northern Ireland. All animal numbers decreased, notably pigs in Scotland (-15%) and poultry in England (-9%), except small increases in pigs in Northern Ireland, poultry in Scotland and cattle in England. Application of N from manure and other organic sources and application of mineral fertilizers decreased in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Considering aggregated data from England and Wales, application of N from manure was stable and application of mineral fertilizers decreased. The N balance increased in Scotland and decreased in Northern Ireland. An assessment was not possible for England and Wales. The N discharge to the environment decreased in England and Northern Ireland and remained stable in Scotland, while an assessment was not possible for Wales.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones

During the 2008-2011 period, nitrate vulnerable zones increased in England and remained unchanged in Wales and Scotland. No nitrates vulnerable zones have been designated in Northern Ireland, since an action programme applies to its whole territory. The total percentage of land to which the action programmes apply, in UK as a whole, was 43.56% at the end of 2012.

Codes of good agricultural practice

The code of good agricultural practice for England was first issued in 1991 and then revised in 1998 and 2009. In Scotland, the code was first published in 1992 and revised in 1997 and 2005. In Wales, it was first published in 1998 and revised in 2002 and 2011. In Northern Ireland, it was first published in 1999, with revisions in 2002 and 2008. Implementation of the measures was reported as positive, for instance with increases in the percentage of holdings with a nutrient management plan and success stories in awareness raising campaigns.

Action programme

In England and Wales the action programme was first published in 1991 and revised in 1998 and 2009. In Scotland, it was first published in 2003 and revised in 2009. In Northern Ireland, the first publication was in 1999, followed by revisions in 2006 and 2010. Concerning compliance, the most difficult measure in the reporting period 2008-2011 was record keeping