MANAGING WATER-QUALITY IN AGRICULTURAL CATCHMENTS

Until recently, pollution control in rural drainage basins of the UK c onsisted solely of water treatment at the point of abstraction. Howeve r, prevention of agricultural pollution at source is now a realistic o ption given the possibility of financing the necessary changes in land use through modification of the Common Agricultural Policy. This pape r uses a nutrient export coefficient model to examine the cost of land -use change in relation to improvement of water quality. Catchment-wid e schemes and local protection measures are considered. Modelling resu lts underline the need for integrated management of entire drainage ba sins. A wide range of benefits may accrue from land-use change, includ ing enhanced habitats for wildlife as well as better drinking water.