Water catchment management

Diffuse pollution

Diffuse, urban and rural pollution is a collective term for a range of pollutants that may individually not present a problem but when combined or present for a long duration, may cause deterioration of surface- and groundwaters and the associated ecology.

As water flows through a catchment, activities on the land can affect the quality and quantity of water available. The sort of activities which could pose a risk include run-off from roads, leaking sewers, farming practices and private and public abstractors.

According to the Environment Agency, diffuse pollution, point source pollution and physical modification are the most common reasons for surface waters not to meet ‘good’ status under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Diffuse pollution is also widely known to affect Bathing Water quality in coastal areas, particularly after periods of heavy rainfall.

Supplying high-quality drinking water depends on the quality of the water source. Water companies have previously solved water quality issues by investing in treatment processes. A much more sustainable approach is to work in the catchments to address the cause of water quality and quantity issues.

Working in partnership with water companies, organisations, and landowners, we can help you develop solutions to improve urban and agricultural land management, reduce risks to water quality and river flows, and create sustainable drainage to cope with heavy rain.