kom (2018) 0257 - Ingen titel

Europaudvalget 2018
KOM (2018) 0257
Offentligt

EUROPEAN

COMMISSION

Brussels, 4.5.2018

SWD(2018) 246 final

PART 9/9

COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT

Accompanying the document

Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament

on the implementation of Council Directive 91/676/EEC concerning the protection of

waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources based on Member

States reports for the period 2012-2015

{COM(2018) 257 final}

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Member State: France

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline surface water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with

measurements

2598

3390

Stations with trends

2094

2897

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

The report presents a comparison between the first (1992-1993) and last campaign (2014-2015). Overall, 49%

of the monitoring stations showed an increase in average nitrate concentration while 42% of the stations

showed a decrease. In NVZs, 53% of the monitoring stations showed an increase in average nitrate

concentration. Outside NVZs, only 20% of the stations showed an increasing trend, while 56% showed a

decreasing trend.

The average nitrate concentration in overseas areas of the French territory (Guadeloupe, Reunion, Martinique,

French Guiana) was always lower than 40 mg/L.

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between July 2016 and February

2017, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the

annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10

report.

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Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with average values or

equal to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg

nitrate per L on average during 2012-

2015 and the previous reporting periods.

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in fresh

surface water nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011

and 2012-2015.

The report presents a comparison between the first (1992-1993) and last campaign (2014-2015). Overall, 44%

of the monitoring stations showed an increase in average nitrate concentration while 35% of the stations

showed a decrease. In NVZs, 49% of the monitoring stations showed an increase in average nitrate

concentration. Outside NVZs, 27% of the stations showed an increasing trend.

The average nitrate concentration in overseas areas of the French territory was lower than 10 mg/L for 99% of

the stations.

Eutrophication

Fresh waters

In 2015, France launched a collective scientific exercise that aims to provide an understanding of causes and

consequences of eutrophication phenomena. Until the results of this study are available, France retains a

threshold of 18 mg nitrate per L (90% percentile) to identify vulnerable zones for eutrophication. The report

presents maps for the 90 percentile above 18 mg/L for 2014-2015 and 2010-2011. Most stations above the

threshold are located inside NVZs, whereas less than 2.5% of stations are outside NVZs.

The report further presents results of total phosphorus, orthophosphate, BOD5, dissolved oxygen, nitrites, and

chlorophyll-a for rivers. The report concludes that eutrophication in fresh waters is only a minor problem,

similar to the previous Reporting period.

Saline waters

Eutrophication parameters are measured in several networks such as REPHY (phytoplankton and phytotoxins),

CEVA/RCS (opportunistic macroalgae), OSPAR monitoring network, Barcelona convention monitoring network,

CEVA/RCO in Loire-Brittany, and RSL (Lagoon monitoring network). The main parameters used to assess

eutrophication are phytoplankton (chlorophyll-a, abundance, species composition), macroalgae (blooms,

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intertidal, subtidal), and chemo-physical (dissolved oxygen, turbidity). The results of all these networks are

presented in the report. The report concludes that the ecological state of French coastal water bodies is

generally in good or excellent condition, with the exception of coastal water bodies of the Channel, certain

areas in southern Brittany which are evaluated to be in fair condition, and the Mediterranean lagoons.

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Main findings of monitoring programmes established in line with Article 5 (6) (5-10

lines)

Water quality monitoring is coordinated by DREAL (directions régionales de l’environnement, de

l’aménagement et du logement); the data are provided by water agencies (agricultural monitoring network)

and regional health agencies (public drinking water). Since 2010 the monitoring network was adapted under

the WFD towards a general surveillance monitoring (RCS) and an operational monitoring (RCO) to assess water

bodies that may not meet environmental goals. The ND monitoring includes all possible RCS stations, a

selection of RCO stations that are, or may become, polluted by nitrate from agricultural sources, and the

existing nitrate monitoring stations that were also monitored in previous campaigns.

Water monitoring is performed once every four years in so-called campaigns. The first campaign covered the

period 1992-1993, and the sixth campaign covered 2014-2015. The average annual sampling frequency during

the 2014-2015 campaign was 4.3 for groundwater (61% of stations sampled at least 4 times per year) and 9 for

surface water (60% of stations sampled at least 6 times per year). The report states that data from previous

reporting periods might have changed slightly due to corrections in the database.

Pressure from agriculture

In the last Reporting period, there were little changes (<=2%) in the total agricultural area and pasture and

permanent crops area. The use of nitrogen from manures decreased with 3%, and there was a 6% increase in

the use of mineral fertilizer nitrogen. Cattle and pig numbers decreased with 3% and 4%, respectively, while

poultry numbers remained stable.

The gross national nitrogen surplus decreased from around 70 kg N/ha/yr in the early 1990s to around 50 kg

N/ha/year in recent years.

Controls

Three types of controls are used to evaluate the Action Programmes: (i) Cross compliance controls (at least 1%

of farmers concerned), (ii) specific compliance checks by water authorities on intercropping and buffer strips,

(iii) specific installation checks (ICPE

nstallation Classée pour la Protection de l'Environnement) for the

livestock sector such as effluent management and logbook practices.

Cross compliance sanctions related to the Nitrates Directive varied between 11 and 27% of the controlled

farmers for the years 2012 to 2014.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

France’s NVZs covered 188,793 km

, which is 34% of the territory and 68% of the utilised agricultural area. In

2012 and 2015, the NVZs were extended with 7,504 and 29,752 km

, respectively.

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Member State: Germany

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline surface water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with measurements

697

241

Stations with trends

692

239*

19*

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in Nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).**

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between September 2016 and

July 2017, RP5: May 2013 and July 2017, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were

calculated from the annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from

the MS article 10 report.

* Trends in winter average values.

** The groundwater monitoring network was redesigned. The data for 2004-2007 are based on a different network than the data for 2008-

2011 and 2012-2015.

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Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in Nitrates concentration

Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with annual average

values equal to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50

mg nitrate per L on average during 2012-

2015 and the previous reporting periods.

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends (winter average)

in fresh surface water nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Figure 3 is based on 239 rivers and 2 lakes with average annual nitrate measurements. Winter average nitrate

measurements were available for 25 lakes, showing 48% of the stations with less than 2 mg/L, 44% between 2

and 10 mg/L and 8% between 10 and 25 mg/L. Figure 4 presents the trends of winter average values of 214

rivers and 25 lakes.

Eutrophication

Fresh waters

The eutrophication of surface waters mainly occurs due to excessive phosphorus inputs. Waters are

considered eutrophic or under the risk of eutrophication when the values of good ecological status, as defined

in Appendix 7 of the surface water ordinance of 20 June 2016 (BGBI, p. 1373), is exceeded. For the

measurement of water quality, Germany uses a water type-specific upper phosphorus value, varying from

0.045 to 0.3 mg total P per L for rivers and 0.009 to 0.06 mg total P per L for lakes, as the target value (class II)

in a 7-stage water quality classification. The water quality decreases from class I to VII.

For rivers in 2014, 35% of the monitoring stations indicated annual average values below the target value

(quality class II) for total phosphorus, 56% of the monitoring stations indicated average concentrations in the

range of quality class II-III and 7% of the monitoring stations fell in the range of quality class III. Five monitoring

stations of transitional water and the monitoring station established at the Emscher fall in the quality classes

III-IV and IV.

When comparing 2011-2014 with 1991-1994, the majority of monitoring stations show either a slight or a clear

reduction in contamination. A downward trend can be seen at approximately 91% of the monitoring stations;

phosphorus contamination remained steady at approximately 3% of the monitoring stations and increased to a

greater or lesser extent at 6 % of stations.

For lakes in 2014, around 36% of monitoring stations indicated an annual average value below the target value

(quality class II) for total phosphorus. 45% of the monitoring stations indicated average concentrations in the

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range of class II-III and 12% of the monitoring stations were in the range of class III. A single monitoring station

indicated worse results (quality class III-IV).

Just under 75% of lakes indicated a decreasing trend of total phosphorus concentrations in the periods 1997-

2000 and 2011-2014. 37% of the lakes showed a significant decrease in concentrations of more than 50%. One

lake showed no change in concentrations.

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Saline waters

The orientation values which are consulted in order to assess the effectiveness of reduction measures were

developed on the basis of the procedures provided for under OSPAR and HELCOM. If the nutrients are

between the background and orientation value there should be a good ecological status in accordance with

the Water Framework Directive (WFD). If the orientation values are exceeded, eutrophication effects in

accordance with the Nitrates Directive can be expected and the good ecological status under the WFD would

be probably missed.

The second application of the harmonised assessment of the eutrophication status of convention waters was

based on data from the period 2001-2005. The third application, based on data from 2006-2014, is currently

under execution.

The results of the eutrophication assessment of the German Bight, including Wadden Sea, are reflected in the

results of the survey conducted in accordance with Section 5 of the WFD based on data from the 2009-

2013/14 period. Of the 16 water bodies in Lower Saxony (including water bodies shared with the Netherlands,

Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein) where the ecological status or ecological potential were assessed for

transitional and coastal waters, 3 coastal water bodies indicated a moderate ecological status, 7 water bodies

indicated an unsatisfactory ecological status, while 2 water bodies indicated a bad ecological status. In the

estuaries, 3 transitional water bodies indicated a moderate ecological potential and one water body indicated

an unsatisfactory ecological potential. Of the 13 assessed water bodies in Schleswig-Holstein, 9 indicated a

moderate ecological status, 2 indicated an unsatisfactory ecological status, while 2 indicated a bad ecological

status. The ecological status was primarily impaired by eutrophication effects.

With respect to the Baltic Sea, the current survey conducted according to Article 5 of the WFD was based on

data from 2009-2014. Of the 21 assessed water bodies in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, 3 indicated a

moderate ecological status, 11 indicated an unsatisfactory ecological status, while 7 indicated a bad ecological

status. Of the 24 assessed water bodies in Schleswig-Holstein, 12 indicated a moderate ecological status, 4

indicated an unsatisfactory ecological status, while 8 indicated a bad ecological status. The ecological status

was primarily impaired by eutrophication effects.

Main findings of monitoring programmes established in line with Article 5 (6) (5-10

lines)

The monitoring network for groundwater has been revised since the previous report in 2012. The new sites

were selected on the following criteria: reflect the shallow groundwater so that its water quality reflects the

land use, the distribution of land uses (settlement, forest, grassland, arable and other cropping), represent all

regions, the sites should at least have data from 2008 and when possible, the sites that were included in the

first to fifth Art. 10 reports, should be included. For ND reporting only the sites mainly affected by grassland,

arable and other cropping were used.

The nitrate concentration in watercourses is subject to regular measurement at monitoring stations forming

part of the monitoring stations networks of the Länder. Sampling is carried out at these monitoring stations at

least 12 times per year and in most instances 26 times per year.

Pressure from agriculture

Agricultural pressure was reported for the years 2010 to 2015, but only completely for 2010 and 2013.When

comparing 2013 with the 2010, the total agricultural area remained stable. Manure nitrogen use increased

slightly (+2%) and mineral fertilizer nitrogen use increased by 1%. Farm numbers decreased, especially farms

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with livestock (-8%). The number of cattle remained stable, while the number of pigs increased by 5%. Pig

numbers peaked in 2014. Since then both the number of holdings engaged in pig production and the number

of pigs have been declining. Data about poultry in the 2010 are reported to be unreliable, not allowing a

correct comparison.

The net nitrogen area-based balance shows a decreasing surplus of around 100 kg/ha in the early 1990s to

around 52 kg/ha in 2014. The report also present regional N surpluses which show relative high surpluses in

the northwest, up to 100 kg/ha in some individual years of the current Reporting period.

Controls

The measures of the AP are also checked within Cross compliance regulations. Checks are carried out on

random and risk oriented basis, often additional after complaints. In 2014 4,112 (1.3% of all farms) on-site

checks were carried out, of which 16% showed minor infringements of measures under cross compliance.

Major infringements were found on 0.4% of the checked farms.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

Germany adopts a whole territory approach (357,376 km

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Member State: Greece

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline surface water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with measurements

1078

479

Stations with trends

There were no stations with trend values.

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between January and February

2017, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the

annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10

report.

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Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Figure 2. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with average values equal

to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate

per L on average during 2012-2015 and

the previous reporting periods.

Eutrophication

Fresh waters

Eutrophication in rivers was assessed using concentrations of NO

, NH

, total P and BOD

. The trophic level of

the rivers was assessed using the distinctions between oligo-, meso-, eutrotrophic. Values in the range 0.3-5.0

mg/l N-NO

, 0.1-0.8 mg/l N-NH

, 0.1-0.2 mg/l P and 1.0-4.0 mg/l BOD

are considered mesotrophic, while

values below or above these ranges are considered oligotrophic or eutrophic, respectively.

Eutrophication of lakes was assessed using concentration of total N, total P, and chlorophyll-a. The trophic

level of the lakes was assessed using the distinctions between oligo-, meso-, eutrotrophic. Values in the range

0.1-1 mg/l N, 0.01-0.03 mg/l P and 2-10 mg/l chlorophyll-a are considered mesotrophic, while values below or

above these ranges are considered oligotrophic or eutrophic, respectively.

Figure 5. Fresh water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period..

Note that Greece only uses oligotrophic, mesotrophic and eutrophic.

Saline waters

Not reported.

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Main findings of monitoring programmes in line with Article 5 (6) of the Directive

Surface water monitoring is based on the National Water Monitoring Network and funded by the Operational

Programme “Environment and Sustainable Development”. Compared to the previous reference period, the

number of monitoring network sites has increased significantly.

Pressure from agriculture

In the current Reporting period, the total agricultural area increased by 6%, compared to the previous

Reporting period (Eurostat). The area reported in the art. 10 report is probably not correctly reported.

According to the previous Reporting period the total agriculture area was 30,590 km

. Compared to the

previous Reporting period, the use of nitrogen from manures decreased by 12% in the current Reporting

period. The annual use of mineral fertilizer N was not reported for the current period. The number of cattle,

pigs and sheep and goats decreased by 32%, 78%, 69%, respectively and the number of poultry increased by

47%. The total number of farmers decreased by 23%. In the current Reporting period 15% of the farmers had

livestock and the total number decreased by 8%.

The total areas, agricultural areas and the excretion of nitrogen are reported for all the 29 individual NVZs. For

7 NVZs data about the current and previous Reporting period are presented. These 7 NVZs represent 75% of

the total area of all NVZ's. The excretion of manure nitrogen has increased in all individual 7 NVZs. The

excretion data in some of these NVZs are very uncertain due to the very large variations between Reporting

periods.

Controls

Not reported.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

In 1999, 4 NVZs were designated. Between 2008 and 2014 the number of NVZs was expanded to 29 areas. The

current NVZs represent 42,260 km

, of which 12,691 km

is agricultural area.

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Member State: Hungary

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline surface water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with

measurements

1756

530

Not relevant

Stations with trends

1736

313

Not relevant

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between July 2016 and January

2017, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the

annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10

report.

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Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with average values equal

to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate

per L on average during 2012-2015 and

the previous reporting periods.

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in fresh

surface water nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011

and 2012-2015.

Eutrophication

Fresh waters

The parameters used to characterize the trophic status for rivers are phytoplankton, phytobenthos, nitrate,

total nitrogen, orthophosphate and total phosphorous. The parameters used to characterize the trophic status

for lakes are phytoplankton, macrophytes and total phosphorous. The final state is determined by the

parameters with the worst classification. The ecological status is converted into three trophic states: non-

eutrophic (excellent-good), potentially eutrophic (moderate), and eutrophic (poor-bad).

Description

Rivers

Lakes

Fresh surface water

Eutrophic

36%

34%

Non-eutrophic

23%

64%

27%

Potentially eutrophic

40%

31%

40%

Table 2. Percentage of fresh water eutrophication classification during the current reporting period

(extracted from submitted water quality data).

Figure 5. Fresh water eutrophication classification during the previous reporting period.

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Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 35%

Saline waters

Not relevant.

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Main findings of monitoring programmes in line with Article 5 (6) of the Directive

Water monitoring is reported in the National Environmental Protection Information System (OKIR) and surface

water protection database (FEVISZ). In the 2012 report the monitoring of sub-surface water was changed in

response to comments made by the Commission to decrease the number of sampled deep protected aquifers.

The Commission considered the number of unconfined shallow sub-surface water types to be

underrepresented. Starting in 2017 the number of monitoring locations for unconfined sub-surface water will

increase. The majority of the points is located in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones. The sampling frequency is 1-2

samples per year. Water quality results are presented for the NVZs, for municipal areas within the NVZ, and for

the whole territory.

Pressure from agriculture

Compared with the previous reporting period, the total agricultural area decreased by 4%. The number of

cattle increased by 18%, while the number of pigs and poultry decreased by 4% and 9%, respectively. The

livestock numbers show a slight increase due to the application of Eurostat methodology to account livestock

numbers on June 1

and December 1

instead of only December 1

. The total number of farmers decreased by

16% while the number of farmers with livestock increased by 7%. Currently 64% of the farms are livestock

farms. The annual use of N from livestock manure increased by 2%. The annual use of mineral N fertiliser

increased by 16%. However, the report states that the average fertiliser use is still less than the agronomic

crop requirements. The nitrogen balance for Hungary in 2012, 2013 and 2014 was 44, 40 and 29 kg N /ha,

respectively.

The national Soil Protection Information and Monitoring System has been sampling soils annually since 1992 at

1,236 locations in the period 15 September to 15 October and analysed for nitrate. The results are presented

in five categories (very low, low, medium, high and excessively high). In the top soil (0-30 cm), the annual

average proportion of samples with a high (50-100 mg N/kg soil) or excessively high (>100 mg N/kg soil) nitrate

content varied from 6 to 32%. In the deepest soil layer (60-90 cm), these fractions with high or excessively high

nitrate content ranged from 1 to 3%.

Controls

Administrative controls on the implementation of the Action Programme (AP) measures were carried out on

32% of the arable farms and 9% of the livestock farms in NVZs. The proportion of on-site checks was 8%, both

for arable and livestock farms. The percentage of non-compliance varies from 0% to 7% between the AP

measures. The highest non-compliance was found for farmers that did not have their soils sampled on time in

the new NVZs, due to the associated costs, even despite an intensive information campaign. Soil sampling is

required every 5 years on croplands to plan for nutrient management. The second most important non-

compliance (3%) are the requirements for manure storage facilities although it is reported to be significantly

improved compared to the previous reporting period (data not reported).

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

Hungary has designated 65,268 km

as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, which is 70% of the total territory. Between

the previous and the present reporting period the size of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones has increased (in 2013)

from 42,519 km2 to 65,268 km

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Member State: Ireland

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline surface water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with

measurements

205

254

117

Stations with trends

205

250

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015*.

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between June 2016 and October

2017, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the

annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10

report.

* Based on only two groundwater stations in Ireland where the nitrate concentration is >=40mg/L

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Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with average values equal

to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate

per L on average during 2012-2015 and

the previous reporting periods.

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in fresh

surface water nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011

and 2012-2015.

Eutrophication

Fresh waters

Trophic status in Irish rivers is measured on the basis of biological assessments using a biotic index scheme

primarily based on aquatic macro-invertebrate communities. The scheme is WFD-compliant and incorporates

the WFD’s normative definitions for ecological status. The biotic index contains five levels of ecological status,

as defined by specific assemblages of macro invertebrates. The WFD classes High, Good, Moderate, Poor and

Bad are re-classed to Ultra-oligotrophic, Oligotrophic, Mesotrophic, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic, respectively.

Eutrophication in lakes is assessed on the basis of a modified OECD scheme, using annual maximum

chlorophyll concentrations. It distinguishes the following categories: Oligotrophic, Mesotrophic, Moderately

Eutrophic,

Strongly Eutrophic, Highly Eutrophic and Hypertrophic. These are re-classed to the ND

trophic classes.

Figure 5. Fresh water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 12%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 14%

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Saline waters

Ireland does not use the ND Trophic State system for categorisation of transitional and coastal waters and is

therefore unable to match the categories reported with the ND trophic states.

Since 2001, the Trophic Status Assessment Scheme (TSAS) has been adopted by Ireland to measure sensitivity

to eutrophication in transitional, coastal and marine sites. The system is based on evaluating water quality

parameters against a set of criteria which are grouped into the following three categories related to the

median salinity of the sample: criteria for nutrient enrichment from nitrogen and phosphorus, criteria for

accelerated growth of phytoplankton and macroalgae, and criteria for “undesirable disturbance” measured

using oxygen conditions. Using these criteria, water bodies are classified into one of four categories to describe

their trophic status and tendency to eutrophication: Eutrophic, Potentially Eutrophic, Intermediate or

Unpolluted.

Water type

Transitional waters

Coastal waters

Saline waters

Unpolluted

58.8%

87.5%

69.0%

Intermediate

23.5%

12.5%

19.6%

Potentially Eutrophic

11.8%

0.0%

7.6%

Eutrophic

5.9%

0.0%

3.8%

Table 2. Saline water eutrophication classification during the current reporting period.

Main findings of monitoring programmes established in line with Article 5 (6) (5-10

lines)

Ireland implemented a monitoring programme to satisfy the requirements of the Water Framework Directive

(WFD) in 2006, including surveillance, operational and investigative monitoring. For the article 10 reporting,

data are used from the surface water surveillance network and the groundwater surveillance and operational

networks.

Pressure from agriculture

The total agricultural area did not change since the previous Reporting period, but there was a slight increase

in permanent grassland (+3%). The annual use of manure nitrogen increased slightly (+2%), while the use of

mineral nitrogen also increased (+3%). The number of farms was virtually unchanged and number of animals

showed overall increases, i.e. cattle (+4%), sheep (+6%) and pigs (+5%). Poultry numbers were not reported.

Nitrogen excretion increased as well for cattle (+2%), sheep (+3%) and poultry (+9%), but remained unchanged

for pigs.

The report lists recent developments in agriculture that are considered to be favourable to limit nitrogen

losses. These are: grass continues to be the dominant crop in Ireland, the climate and soils ensure grass growth

almost right throughout the year in Ireland thereby reducing the potential for nitrogen leaching, and the area

in potato (-18%) and maize silage area (-40%) has decreased. On the other hand there are also developments

that are considered to be unfavourable to limit nitrogen losses. These are: the area devoted to tillage crops,

fruit and horticulture has increased slightly (0.9%), the area devoted to cereal crops has increased, and late

harvesting of crops reduces the quality and effectiveness of the green cover being established before the onset

of winter

(

however the Action Programme requires green cover be put in place where a total herbicide is used

or arable land is ploughed after 1st July each year).

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Controls

The number of annual farm inspections carried out by local authorities and Department of Agriculture, Food

and the Marine (DAFM) in the period 2012–2015 varied between 6,408-7,000 The average number of

inspections for this period is 6,645. These inspections are carried out to determine the effectiveness of the

measures set out in the National Action Programme (NAP).

In addition to these inspections, 7,700 DAFM inspections (including Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment

Scheme, derogation farm applicants, eligibility etc.) also take place annually and any nitrates breaches noted

on these farms in the course of these inspections are cross reported for penalty purposes.

DAFM also carry out administrative checks on all herd owners to establish if they are adhering to the 170 or

250 kg Nitrogen per hectare limits as appropriate. This is done by checking the total Nitrogen figures from the

Animal Identification System (AIM) against the areas declared under the Basic Payment Scheme. Herd owners

exceeding these limits are subject to penalties.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

Ireland adopts a whole territory approach (68,900 km

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Member State: Italy

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline surface water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with

measurements

5035

3154

577

Stations with trends

4134

2183

267

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between June 2016 and April

2017, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the

annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10

report.

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Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with average values equal

to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate

per L on average during 2012-2015 and

the previous reporting periods.

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in fresh

surface water nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011

and 2012-2015.

Eutrophication

Fresh waters

Italy reports ND trophic status, using LIMeco for rivers and LTLeco for lakes. Details about the method are not

reported.

Figure 5. Fresh water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 19%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 11%

Saline waters

Italy reports ND trophic status, using the TRIX (Trophic Index) index for marine and coastal waters which

includes dissolved oxygen and nutrients and chlorophyll-a. For transitional waters dissolved inorganic nitrogen

and reactive phosphorus are considered. Details about the method are not reported.

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Figure 6. Saline water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 13%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 14%

Main findings of monitoring programmes in line with Article 5 (6) of the Directive

The monitoring results represent the whole territory, but are also presented separately for northern, central

and southern Italy. Groundwater is monitored at least twice a year, while surface waters monitoring varies

from 4 to 12 samples per year.

It is reported that the method for the assessment of the trophic state is reviewed in order to harmonize the

criteria nationwide, and that this review will be concluded in December 2016.

Pressure from agriculture

The provided national data on agriculture were reported per region, but do not always cover the whole

territory. The cover varies between agricultural parameters from 55% to 95% of the regions. When comparing

the current with the previous Reporting period, the total agricultural area decreased by 2%, the permanent

grassland area decreased by 20%, and the permanent crops area increased by 60%. The use of animal manure

N decreased by 5%, and the use of mineral fertilizer N increased by 47%. The total number of farmers

decreased by 22%. Currently, 16% of the farms have livestock. Catlle and pig numbers were stable, while

poultry numbers increased by 2%.

Specific agriculture data for NVZs were not reported.

Controls

The percentage of checked farmers in NVZs in the current Reporting period varies between 0.4 and 31% per

region. The percentages of inspected farmers who comply with the Action Program is between 76 and 100%,

and for most measures 90% or higher. The lowest compliances are found for “measures to be applied close to

water courses” and “measures relating to rotation and maintenance”.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) are designated in 18 regions. The area is stated as: “approximately 13.4% of

the national territory”. The area of the NVZs has remained largely unchanged in the current period. In the

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regions Puglia, Calabria Emilia Romagna, Piemonte, Umbria and Sicilia changes were made that were

described in various degrees of detail.

Member State: Latvia

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline surface water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with

measurements

199

222

Stations with trends

163

159

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between July 2016 and January

2017, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the

annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10

report.

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Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with yearly average

values equal to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50

mg nitrate per L on average during 2012-

2015 and the previous reporting periods.

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in fresh

surface water nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011

and 2012-2015.

Eutrophication

Fresh waters

The trophic status of rivers has been assessed by three parameters: the annual average phosphate

concentrations, total phosphorus concentration and the winter average nitrate concentration. The distinctions

between oligo-, meso-, eutro- and hypertrophic are 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, mg PO

/L , 0.05, 0.2, 0.5 and 1 mg P/L and

10, 25, 40, 50 mg NO

/L.

The trophic status of lakes has been assessed by three parameters: total phosphorus, total nitrogen and

chlorophyll a concentration. Eutrophication has been assessed by determining the water transparency using

Secchi disk. The threshold values for ultra-oligo-, oligo-, meso-, eutro- and hypertrophic are 0.03, 0.055, 0.08,

0.105 mg PO

/L, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 mg N/L , and 10, 21, 40, 60 µg Chlorophyll-a/L.

Saline waters

Figure 5. Fresh water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 14%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 14%

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The trophic status has been assessed on the basis of nitrate concentration, phosphate concentration, winter

total nitrogen, winter total phosphorous, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen using water type specific

threshold values.

Figure 6. Saline water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 100%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 100%

Main findings of monitoring programmes in line with Article 5 (6) of the Directive

In the period 2013-2015 the monitoring of fresh surface waters was performed once every month over the

course of one year, once every four years. In 2012 the monitoring was carried out with various frequencies.

Stations in transitional, coastal and sea water were sampled 1.75-2.75 times a year. The frequency for

groundwater is not reported.

Pressure from agriculture

Compared to the previous Reporting period (2008-2011) the total agricultural area decreased by 5% in the

current Reporting period (2012-2015). However, the utilised agricultural land increased by 3%. The permanent

grassland increased by 1% and is 29% of the total agricultural area. The number of farms with livestock

decreased by 20%. Approximately 79% of all farms are small farms with 1 to 5 cows. While the number of pigs

and poultry decreased by 14% and 18%, respectively, the number of cattle, sheep and rabbits increased by 8%,

14% and 32%, respectively. The total amount of applied livestock manure increased by 12%. It is reported that

in recent years manure processing has increased. According to Rural Support Service data, in 2013 there were

40 biogas plants which used 552,200 tons of manure per year. The mineral fertilizer N use increased by 27%.

The use of mineral fertilizers has increased every year since 1995.

Controls

The percentage of farms in the NVZs visited by the State Environmental Service (SES) varied between 4% and

21% per year and visits by the State Plant Protection Service (SPPS) varied between 1.4% and 1.9%. SES is

responsible for the implementation and control of national policy on environmental protection. SPPS is

entitled to check the compliance of fertiliser use and relevant documents with regulatory provisions. The

highest percentages of non-compliance (24%) was found for having no registration as an animal holding.

Furthermore, a non-compliance of 9% for requirements on storage of manure was found, and 4-13% holdings

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violated rules for cross-compliance in vulnerable zones (no soil analysis, fertiliser plan, or field history). The

most common reported violation concern fertilisers spread on water-saturated, frozen or snow-covered soil. A

measureable criteria to assess the impact of the programme is the number of analyses of nitrogen content in

waste water, made in animal holdings. In the previous and current reporting period there were 1.89 and 1.79

analyses per 100 animal holdings, respectively.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

The area designated in 2009 as a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone is 8,258.7 km

which is 12.8% of the national

territory. The NVZ has not changed since previous reporting period.

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Member State: Lithuania

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline surface water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with

measurements

320

Stations with trends

217

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between June and December

2016, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the

annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10

report.

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Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with average values equal

to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate

per L on average during 2012-2015 and

the previous reporting periods.

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in fresh

surface water nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011

and 2012-2015.

Eutrophication

Fresh waters

In the current reporting period chlorophyll-a concentrations were analysed during the spring and summer

season (April to October) in 254 lakes/reservoirs and 3 river sites. The trophic level of the surface waters are

assessed using Vinberg’s scale by chlorophyll-a concentrations. The eutrophication classes are oligo-, meso-,

eutro- and hypertrophic, while the classification of ultra-oligotrophic is not used.

Figure 5. Fresh water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 47%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 49%

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Saline waters

The trophic level of transitional waters was assessed using Vinberg’s scale of the trophic level by chlorophyll-a

concentrations.

Figure 6. Saline water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 100%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 100%

Main findings of monitoring programmes in line with Article 5 (6) of the Directive

Water monitoring is part of the 2011-2017 National Environmental Monitoring Programme and is organised by

the Environmental Protection Agency. National groundwater monitoring is carried out by the Geological

Survey. The river monitoring network has data from 66 locations of which 11 are situated in the areas with

intensive agricultural activity which are sampled 12 times a year, and 55 are situated in areas under mixed

pressures which are sampled less intensively. The 254 locations in lakes/reservoirs are monitored at various

rates: 9 lakes/reservoirs are monitored every year, seven times per year, the others – once in six- or three-year

periods, four times per year. River water quality data results in the report are presented for the whole country,

and for the locations in areas with intensive agriculture. Water quality is monitored 4 to 10 times per year in

transitional, littoral and marine water. The groundwater monitoring network consist of 65 locations on arable

land, pastures and grassland with various depths (monitoring frequency is not reported).

Pressure from agriculture

The total agricultural area, and the area available for manure decreased by 26% and 32%, respectively when

comparing the current with the previous Reporting period. The numbers of poultry increased by 4% while the

number of cattle and pigs decreased by 4% and 15%, respectively. The total number of farms decreased by

42%, but the number of livestock farms decreased only by 2%.

The reported nitrogen excretion shows other data that do not seem to be consistent with the livestock

numbers. The annual nitrogen excretion of pigs increased by 66%, while excretion of cattle and poultry

decreased by 35% and 42%, respectively. The report does not state that the excretion factors have been

changed.

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The annual use of N from livestock manure in the country decreased by 11%. Data on the use of mineral N are

not available.

Controls

There are 200 thousand farmers in Lithuania, of which 58% have livestock. It is reported that 6% of the farmers

are checked annually. Farmers which seek support with the cross compliance requirements are controlled by

the National Paying Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture. The percentage of farmers complying with the

items of the Action Programme and Code of Good Practice varies between 94 and 100%, with the lowest

percentage for the item: “cover crop in winter”. The Implementation of the requirements of the Nitrates

Directive are controlled by the Regional Environmental Protection Departments. The number of checks per

measure varies between 39 and 1075 per year. The percentage of farmers complying with requirements of the

Nitrates directive varies between 62% and 100%, with the lowest percentage for manure management.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

The whole territory (65,300 km

) has been designated as a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone.

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Member State: Luxemburg

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline surface water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with

measurements

Not relevant

Stations with trends

Not relevant

The fresh surface water stations are located in rivers only.

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: July 2016, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September

2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the annual averages and weighted according to

the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10 report.

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Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations (rivers only) with average

values equal to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50

mg nitrate per L on average during

2012-2015 and the previous reporting

periods.

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in fresh surface

water (rivers only) nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Eutrophication

Fresh waters

Eutrophication evaluation is based on nitrate, orthophosphate, total phosphorus and chlorophyll, with the

same classification criteria for all surface waters. Except for chlorophyll, for which no data were available, each

parameter is evaluated, and the final assessment of eutrophication is based on the worst scoring parameter

for the remaining 3 parameters and on the scores for the parameters macrophytes and diatoms. The classes

very weak-low-moderate-high-very high are converted to the ND classification.

The actual method will be changed following a recent study. From 2016 onwards, the parameters macrophytes

and diatoms will be officially included in the evaluation method, while chlorophyll will be excluded.

Figure 5. Fresh water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period. (rivers only).

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 87.5%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hyper-trophic:87.5%

Saline waters

Not relevant.

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Main findings of monitoring programmes in line with Article 5 (6) of the Directive

Surface waters are monitored in two networks, i.e. for the purpose of assessing nitrate pollution and

eutrophication and for the purpose of WFD. The sampling frequency varies from 12 to 13 times a year.

In 2015, a study on eutrophication was conducted which identified monitoring stations that best reflect the

pressures from agriculture. The monitoring network will be adapted based on the findings of this study. The

study showed that the stations that will not be retained in the future monitoring network are under too much

pressure from effluent treatment plants and their catchment areas do not represent high agricultural pressure.

The number of monitoring stations will also increase.

Based on another study the groundwater monitoring network will also be adapted with the aim to streamline

as far as possible with the WFD monitoring network.

Pressure from agriculture

Agricultural areas and the use of organic and mineral nitrogen did not change. The main changes in agriculture

were a decreasing number of farms (-7%) and an increasing number of pigs (+10%) and poultry (+26%).

Nitrogen excretion was stable for cattle, decreased for pigs (-6%) and other animals (-3%), and increased for

poultry (+35%).

Nitrogen surpluses, at field level, showed a small decrease, due to lower mineral fertilizer use. The modelled

nitrogen discharge to the aquatic environment increased by 4%. The report states that the increase is on a

lower level caused by increasing livestock numbers, but the main reason has been attributed to slightly higher

rainfall in the last Reporting period.

Controls

Controls are carried out in the framework of Cross Compliance controls. On site controls are carried out on a

random basis and risk analysis basis (5 to 6% of the farms). The report does not present an overview of

infringements.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

Luxemburg adopts a whole territory approach (2,586 km

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Member State: Malta

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline surface water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with measurements

Stations with trends

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between July 2016 and March

2017, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the

annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10

report.

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Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with average values equal

to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate

per L on average during 2012-2015 and

the previous reporting periods.

Similar to Malta’s first Nitrate cycle results, very high nitrate values were registered in the three watercourses

of valley systems that are surrounded by intense agricultural activity. Average monthly nitrate concentrations

and winter averages exceeded 100 mg/L in all three sampling stations. Winter average nitrate concentrations

measured in standing waters were between 2 and 10 mg/L.

Eutrophication

Fresh waters

The report states that no eutrophication method was applied to inland surface and transitional waters due to

the fact that to date no suitable method has been identified. However, the French (Seq-eaux) categories for

nitrate, with values above 40 mg/L considered as eutrophic, were used as an indication of potential

eutrophication status in these waters.

Figure 4. Fresh water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 43%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 60%

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Saline waters

The trophic state of the 5 transitional waters were assessed using only nitrate concentrations and applying the

French (Seq-eaux) categories for transitional water bodies. The trophic state of the coastal waters is assessed

using the trophic index method (TRIX) for Mediterranean coastal waters. The TRIX is a combination of four

parameters (chlorophyll-a, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, total phosphorus, and the absolute percentage of

deviation of oxygen from the oxygen saturation value). However, the classification of Maltese coastal waters

on the basis of the TRIX index does not tally with the results of the baseline survey monitoring results for

phytoplankton abundance and composition which results indicate that generally coastal waters are

oligotrophic in nature, with the Grand harbour area being the only exception. On the other hand, the

application of the TRIX index resulted in medium to high trophic states within most monitored stations. These

results highlight the need for further work to refine the assessment of eutrophication in Maltese coastal

waters.

Figure 5. Saline water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 76%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 85%

Main findings of monitoring programmes in line with Article 5 (6) of the Directive

Groundwater samples are collected twice-yearly. The results for all inland surface waters and transitional

waters are based on monthly replicate samples from February 2012 to January 2013. Two monitoring

programs in coastal water were executed: monitoring of three enclosed coastal waters influenced by

agricultural activities (monthly sampling between February 2012 and January 2013) and monitoring of 26

additional locations around the Maltese Islands (monthly sampling between May 2012 and July 2013).

Pressure from agriculture

Compared to the previous Reporting period, the total agricultural area increased by 2% in the current

Reporting period. The annual use of mineral fertilizer N did not change. The number of farms decreased by

20% and the number of farms with livestock by 31%. The number of cattle, pigs and poultry decreased by 36%,

60% and 94%, respectively. The nitrogen excretion of cattle, pigs and poultry decreased by 20%, 8% and 2%.

Data about the use of N from livestock manure were not available for the current and the previous Reporting

period.

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Controls

The proportion of farms visited in the current Reporting period was 9% per year. The report presents the

percentage of visited farmers that comply with the measures in the Action Programme for the years 2006 and

2007, and for the current Reporting period. Compared to 2006 and 2007, compliance has increased for storage

and manure collection and rational fertilizer use. Current compliance varies from 88% (manure collection

capacity and rational fertiliser use) to 100%. The report states that the majority of farmers finds it difficult to

maintain appropriate records due to low level of education.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

Malta adopts a whole territory approach (316 km

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Member State: Netherlands

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline surface water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with

measurements

1318

850

Stations with trends

1229

171

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Trends in nitrates concentration

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between June 2016 and June

2017, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the

annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10

report.

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Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with average values equal

to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate

per L on average during 2012-2015 and

the previous reporting periods.

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in fresh

surface water nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011

and 2012-2015.

Eutrophication

In the previous report, eutrophication was characterised on the OECD methodology, which was however found

to be not appropriate for shallow lowland waters, typically found in the Netherlands. In the present report,

eutrophication is assessed according to the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Each parameter is evaluated

using water type dependent classification criteria. There are different quality criteria for 9 types of lakes and

12 types of rivers. Waters in which biological quality elements (including phytoplankton and phytobenthos)

score less than ‘good’ are ‘eutrophic’, irrespective of the score for N or P. Waters in which the score of the

biological quality elements is ‘good’ and N and P are both below ‘good’ are ‘potentially eutrophic. Waters in

which the score for both the biology and one of the nutrients is ‘good’ are ‘not eutrophic’. Assessment of the

eutrophication of the waters according to the WFD system was only reported for the period 2011-2013.

The Netherlands prefer the classification ‘eutrophic’, ‘potential eutrophic’ and ‘non-eutrophic’ to identify the

level of eutrophication both for fresh and saline fresh waters.

Fresh waters

Eutrophication in rivers and lakes is assessed with various biological quality parameters (phytoplankton in

lakes, and phytobenthos in rivers, and if not present other water flora in rivers), as well as the chemical

parameters (concentrations of total nitrogen and total phosphorus).

Figure 5. Fresh water eutrophication classification during the previous reporting period.

Aggregated values for

In the current Reporting

2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic:

eutrophic, 27% are not eutrophic and 13% are

period, 60% of the freshwaters are

100%

potentially eutrophic.

There was little or no change in the average chlorophyll-a and phosphorus concentration in the fresh WFD

waters during the summer season (the season in which eutrophication phenomena may occur) in 2012-2014,

compared to the period 2008-2011. The summer average total nitrogen concentration has improved slightly.

Saline waters

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Eutrophication in coastal and transitional water is also assessed according to the WFD methodology, using

phytoplankton and dissolved inorganic nitrogen.

Figure 6. Saline water eutrophication classification during the previous reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 100%

In the saline waters 13% is assessed as eutrophic, while 81% is potentially eutrophic. The eutrophication

effects are very limited in the biology (less than 10%), but the nutrient concentrations (dissolved nitrogen) are

too high in more than 80% of these waters.

Based on the water quality parameters, the situation for the transitional, coastal and marine waters virtually

remained unchanged in 2012-2014 compared to 2008-2011.

Main findings of monitoring programmes in line with Article 5 (6) of the Directive

Water monitoring for the Nitrate directive is organised by several organisations and reported under the co-

ordination of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), also using information from

drinking water companies. Water monitoring programmes (Regulation on the status of surface waters and

Regulation on the status of groundwater) have been adapted to the requirements of the Water Framework

Directive in 2006.

The report presents the data from the control and operational monitoring sites. Root zone leaching is

monitored at farms in all soil type regions by sampling the upper metre of groundwater or soil moisture

(groundwater level > 5m) 1-2 times a year, or in case of artificially drained farms by sampling tile drain water 3-

4 time per year. Shallow groundwaters under sandy soils are sampled every year whereas under clay and peat

they are sampled every two years. Deep wells are sampled every four years. The frequency of sampling

drinking water wells varies from once a week to once a year.

Surface waters are generally sampled every month. At sea the frequency of water sampling is once a month in

winter and twice a month in summer.

Pressure from agriculture

In the current Reporting period, the total agricultural area decreased by 3% to 18,430 km

, compared to the

previous Reporting period. The area of permanent pasture decreased by 6%. The area of perennial crops is

small and stable (190 km

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The number of farms has decreased by 9%. Cattle numbers increased (3%), but their nitrogen excretion

increased by 1%, while the excretion per cow decreased by 4%. Poultry and pigs numbers increased by 3% and

1%, respectively, while their excretion decreased both by 5% . Total excretion decreased by 1%.

Overall the amount of nitrogen from animal manure applied to agricultural land decreased by 4%, and the use

of mineral nitrogen fertilizer decreased by 7%.

The gross nitrogen balance (OECD/Eurostat) decreased from 161 kg/ha in the previous Reporting period to 148

kg/ha for the current Reporting period. The nitrogen leaching and run-off from in rural areas decreased from

54 to 42 kt per year between 2010 and 2013.

Controls

The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) checks farms on the basis of register data for the various calendar

years. Each year, compliance with the primary nutrient standards and accountability for manure production

are checked. The two main target groups are farmers and manure transporters. In 2012, the RVO changed its

enforcement approach, focusing more on the result and the effect of the investigations and less on the

numbers. The RVO checked the farms in the sample on the basis of register data for compliance with the

application standards and accountability for manure production. Where the information was incomplete,

additional information was requested to the farm.

In addition to the randomised checks via a random sample, farms were also checked if they met one of the

following three criteria: farms applying for derogation, but not meeting one or more of the conditions for

derogation, farms with land and manure delivery in the application period, or farms with several business

lines.

In 2012, 384 farms were selected at random to check their compliance with regulations. There was one

infringement of the application standards for phosphate and for livestock manure. The number of fines in 2012

is lower than the average number of nine fines in the previous three years, although nine cases from 2012 are

still in progress.

In addition to the checks via random sample, 755 farms which met the specific risk criteria were investigated.

Of the 755 farms, a fine had been imposed on 149 farms. In total, 241 infringements were found, with

infringements of several standards per farm in several cases. The violations were exceedance of application

standards for nitrogen (22), phosphorus (117), animal manure (85), and violation of reporting obligations (17).

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

The Netherlands adopts a whole territory approach (33,680 km

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Member State: Poland

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline surface water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with

measurements

1563

2526

Stations with trends

1063

1656

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all

water quality

Surface

groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Nitrates concentration

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Trends in nitrates concentration

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between October and December

2016, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the

annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10

report.

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Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with average values equal

to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate

per L on average during 2012-2015 and

the previous reporting periods.

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in fresh

surface water nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011

and 2012-2015.

Eutrophication

Fresh waters

The assessment of surface water eutrophication was carried out based on guidelines presented in the

Regulation of the Minister of the Environment of 23 December 2002 on the criteria for designation of waters

vulnerable to pollution with nitrogen compounds from agricultural sources. The relevant parameters are total

phosphorus, total nitrogen, nitrate and chlorophyll-a, and for lakes also transparency (Secchi-disc). The

classification is initially either eutrophic or non-eutrophic. Additionally, an analysis is performed to assess the

ND trophic state, based on the French method (Seq-eaux) for rivers and on the OECD method for lake waters,

as referred to in the ND reporting guidelines.

Figure 5. Fresh water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 43%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 33%

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Saline waters

Eutrophication assessment of transitional and coastal waters follows the same methods as described above for

fresh waters, but with other threshold values.

Figure 6. Saline water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 65%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 89%

Main findings of monitoring programmes in line with Article 5 (6) of the Directive

Water monitoring is a part of The State Environmental Monitoring organized by the Inspection of

Environmental Protection. Groundwater and surface water quality data from State Environmental Monitoring

are reported for the whole territory, and for each NVZ.

Pressure from agriculture

The total agricultural decreased by 6% in the current Reporting period compared to the previous Reporting

period. The number of farms decreased by 39%. In the current reporting period, there were 1.43 million farms.

Over 50% were farms with an area between 1 and 5 ha. Larger farms with an area between 5 and 50 ha

represented 44%, while the largest farms with an area of over 50 hectares represented 2.2%.The permanent

grassland area is 21% of the total agricultural area and decreased by 4%. The area with perennial crops is 3% of

the total agricultural land and remained constant. The area of agricultural land available for manure

application was not reported. There were no significant changes in the number of cattle, while there was a

reduction in the number of pigs (-31%) and poultry (-13%). The use of animal manure N increased by 7%, while

the use of mineral N decreased by 8%.

In total, the N excretion in NVZs from cattle, pigs, poultry and other was 20, 20, 3 and 0.01 kt N, respectively in

the current Reporting period. The permanent grassland area and perennial crops were 12.3% and 1.1% of the

agricultural land, respectively within the NVZs.

Controls

The percentage of farms visited per year varied per NVZ, from 0 to 9.5% by the Agency for Restructuring and

Modernisation of Agriculture (ARiMR) and from 0.1 to 3.3 % by the Voivodship Inspectorate for Environmental

Protection (WIOŚ). The compliance on manure collection and storage was reported to vary from 68 to 100%.

Compliance on other measures was not reported.

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The measurable criteria to evaluate the impact of the Action Programs is the share of farmland without crops

in winter, which varies between 14 and 59% among NVZs. Buffer zones of 20 m are present on 5 to 91% of the

agricultural area in the NVZs. No analyses of animal effluents or other criteria are reported. A comparison with

the previous period is not possible due to many missing data.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

In the current reporting period Poland has a total NVZ area of 21,308 km

, which represents 6.8% of the total

territory (Previous reporting period: 4,605 km

) and 14.6% of the utilised agricultural area. The report states

that in the draft of the Water Law there is a proposal to apply a whole territory approach.

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Member State: Portugal

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline surface water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with

measurements

580

154

Stations with trends

553

143

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between June 2016 and January

2017, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the

annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10

report.

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Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with average values equal

to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate

per L on average during 2012-2015 and

the previous reporting periods.

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in fresh surface

water nitrate concentrations

between the reporting periods

2008-2011 and 2012-2015.

Eutrophication

Fresh waters

The parameters used to characterize the trophic status for rivers on the mainland of Portugal and on the

Azores were total nitrogen and total phosphorus. For rivers 2 classes were used on the mainland (northern

group and southern group) and 2 classes on the Azores (deep lakes, shallow lakes). The parameters used to

characterize the trophic status for reservoirs on the mainland and Azores were chlorophyll-a, total nitrogen

and total phosphorus. Three tropic levels were distinguished for all waters: oligotrophic, mesotrophic and

eutrophic.

Figure 5. Fresh water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period.

Note that Portugal only use three classes (oligotrophic, mesotrophic and eutrophic)

Saline waters

The parameter used to characterize the trophic status for coastal and transitional waters is nitrate. All stations

had average nitrate concentrations below 2 mg/L. The Eutrophication status itself was not reported.

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Main findings of monitoring programmes in line with Article 5 (6) of the Directive

Water monitoring is organized by the Portuguese Environmental Agency and commissioned by the

Directorate-General of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Pressure from agriculture

The agricultural land area has decreased slightly by 0.7% in the current Reporting period (2012-2015)

compared to the previous Reporting period (2008-2011) while the areas with permanent grassland and

perennial crops increased by 2 and 3%, respectively; they represent 50% and 19% of the agricultural land area,

respectively.

The number of farms has decreased between the current and the previous reporting period with 13%. The

number of cattle has remained constant, while the number of pigs and other farm animals decreased by 5 and

4%, respectively. The number of poultry has not been reported for the current reporting period. The nitrogen

balance for Portugal has been reported for NVZs in the mainland and the Azores. The N surplus varied

between NVZs from 0 to 108 kg/ha.

Controls

The percentage of farms visited varied between 1% and 10% per NVZ on the mainland of Portugal, and varied

between 20 and 100% per NVZ on the Azores, except the São Brás NVZ with zero visits on in total 3 farms. For

each NVZ the application of the Action Programme (AP) has been monitored and the results have been

reported. The percentage of farmers per NVZ who respect the rules contained in the AP has been reported to

be 100% on the mainland in most cases, while on the Azores a compliance of 7 to 100% per NVZ was reported.

The measurable criteria for assessing the impact of the programmes in the field have been reported for each

NVZ, but not completely. Not reported, except for one NVZ on the mainland, and for the NVZs on the Azores,

are the number of analyses of nitrogen in livestock manure, the percentage of arable land which was

uncultivated, and the distance of crops from water courses.

In the mainland of Portugal the control of the Action Programme focused on 1% of farms larger than 2 ha or

0.5 ha with horticulture and/or vegetable crops. The percentage of controls with failures to comply, and a brief

description of the observed failures have been reported. For the NVZ Esposende-Vila do Conde and Tejo the

percentage of failures varied between 0% and 21% per measure, while in the other NVZs the percentage was

reported as zero, except a failure of 72% in Litoral Centro (mostly due to the lack of implementation of soil and

water analyses).

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

In Portugal, nine areas (Decree No. 164/2010) in the mainland have been designated as vulnerable to leaching

of nitrates from agricultural sources in terms of groundwater. There are eight vulnerable areas in the Azores

due to the trophic status of some Lakes. The NVZs on the mainland of Portugal vary in size between 31 km

and 2416 km

. The NVZs on the Azores vary between 0.19 km

and 19 km

In the Reporting period of 2008-2011 the boundaries of NVZ Aveiro and Mira were extended by merging them

to the Litoral Centro. The boundaries of the NVZ Elvas-Vila Boim were also expanded, integrating the aquifer

system of Elvas-Campo Maior. This period also saw the definition of two new NVZs, Estarreja-Murtosa and

Estremoz-Cano.

The total area of NVZs is 4,047 km

which is 4.4% of the total territory of Portugal.

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Member State: Romania

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline surface water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with

measurements

1256

1224

Stations with trends

849

931

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between July 2016 and January

2017, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the

annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10

report.

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Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with average values equal

to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate

per L on average during 2012-2015 and

the previous reporting periods.

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in fresh surface

water nitrate concentrations

between the reporting periods

2008-2011 and 2012-2015.

Eutrophication

Several ecological status classes (5 classes: high, good, moderate, poor and bad) and ecological potential

classes (4 classes: maximum and good, moderate, poor and bad) have been defined taking into account the

categories of water bodies (rivers, lakes, transitional waters, coastal waters) and the typology of the water

bodies (19 types of water courses, 9 types of natural lakes, 7 types of reservoirs, 2 types of transitional waters

and 2 types of coastal waters), with typology specific criteria. The ND trophic status classes have been

correlated with the ecological status/ecological potential classes as follows: ultra-oligotrophic - high/maximum

(class I); oligotrophic – good/good (class II); meso-trophic - moderate/moderate (class III); eutrophic -

poor/poor (class IV); hypertrophic - bad/bad (class V).

Fresh waters

The parameters for rivers indicating eutrophication (limits between high/good ecological status or

maximum/good ecological potential and good/moderate ecological status/potential; range depending on the

typology of the water bodies) were: nitrates (0.7-2.7, 1.4-5.5 mg/L N), nitrites (0.35 mg/L N), total nitrogen,

phosphates (0.035-0.13, 0.075-0.27 mg/L P) and total phosphorus (0.0030-0.32, 0.22-0.66 mg/L P), the

dissolved oxygen (8-10, 6-8, mg/L ) and the organic substances (measured by CBO

), as well as chlorophyll a

(ranges are for different water types).

The parameters for natural lakes and reservoirs indicating eutrophication were: nitrates (0.4-1.6, 0.8-3.3 mg/L

N), nitrites (0.35 mg/L N), total nitrogen, phosphates (0.015-0.12, 0.06-0.25 mg/L P) and total phosphorus

(0.02-0.18, 0.04-0.38 mg/L P), the dissolved oxygen (8-10, 6-8, mg/L ) and the organic substances (measured by

CBO

), as well as transparency (Secchi disk) and chlorophyll a. The final assessment is based on the one out-all

out principle, meaning that the worse situation/class is used, considering all parameters assessed.

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Figure 5. Fresh water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 30%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hyper-trophic: 2%

Saline waters

Figure 6. Saline water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hyper-trophic: 54%

The parameters indicating eutrophication process were: nitrates, nitrites, total nitrogen, phosphates and total

phosphorus, the dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll a. For transitional waters the limit values between

high/good status (0.012 mg/L P-PO

, < 1 mg/L N-NO

, 0.012 mg/L N-NO

, 9 mg/L O

, 2.6 ug/l chlorophyll) and

good/moderate status (0.03 mg/L P-PO

, 1-1.5 mg/L N-NO

, 0.03 mg/L N-NO

, 6.2 mg/L O

, 3.9 ug/l

chlorophyll). For coastal waters the limit values were similar with transitional waters, except for phosphate

and nitrite (high/good and good/moderate: 0.03 mg/L P-PO

, 0.03 mg/L N-NO

Main findings of monitoring programmes in line with Article 5 (6) of the Directive

The Romanian Waters National Administration manages the monitoring of the surface water and

groundwater. The quality of the Black Sea is monitored by the laboratory of Dobrogea Water Basin

Administration - Coast together with the National Institute for Marine Research and Development.

Groundwater is sampled once or twice per year. Surface water is monitored 4 to 26 times a year. On the

monitoring points that are relevant for agricultural pressures, the sampling frequency is 12 times a year.

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Pressure from agriculture

Compared to the previous Reporting period (2008-2011) the total agricultural area remained stable in the

current reporting period (2012-2015). Overall, the agricultural indicators were fairly stable. The area of

permanent pasture decreased with 4%, while the area of perennial crops increased with 3%. Cattle numbers

increased by 2% as did their nitrogen excretion. Poultry decreased by 2% and pigs decreased by 4%, as did

their excretion. The number of sheep and goats increased by 8%. Overall the use of N from livestock manure

increased by 3% and the use of mineral fertilizer N did not change.

Controls

There were 3,563,765 farmers, of which 75% had livestock. The proportion of farms visited in the current

Reporting period was 10% per year. The percentage of visited farmers who comply with each measure referred

to in the Action Programme and the Code of Good Agricultural Practices was between 74.5% and 99.7%. The

lowest compliances were observed for rational fertilisation use, and for the limitation on the use of nitrogen

from livestock manure.

Data are also reported about the livestock holdings with more than 100 livestock units (varying between 701

to 912 farms in the current Reporting period), which are subject to the environmental permit release

procedure. The number of inspections varied from 1.2 to 2.1 times per year per farm. The number of warnings

varied between 16 and 46 per year, and the number of fines between 41 and 54 per year.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

Upon the first designation, the NVZs covered 7% of the Romanian territory. In 2008, NVZs were revised and

the area was extended to 58% of the Romanian territory. Since 2013, Romania applies the whole territory

approach (283,391 km

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Member State: Slovakia

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline surface water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with

measurements

1717

512

Not relevant

Stations with trends

1544

378

Not relevant

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths.*

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between June and December

2016, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the

annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10

report.

* A major change in the monitoring network took place between the periods 2004-2007 and 2008-2011 consisting of establishing more

monitoring stations in NVZ areas.

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Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with average values equal

to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate

per L on average during 2012-2015 and

the previous reporting periods.

Eutrophication

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in fresh surface

water nitrate concentrations

between the reporting periods

2008-2011 and 2012-2015.

Fresh waters

Surface water eutrophication has been evaluated by two methodologies: the new Slovak methodology and the

French methodology, which was also used in previous reporting period. To maintain the possibility of trend

assessment also the data using the French methodology are used. The French methodology assesses data by

using one set of criteria for the whole country, using peak summer concentrations of chlorophyll-a, and

average summer concentrations of nitrates, phosphates and total phosphorus.

Figure 5. Fresh water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period (old method).

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 37%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 16%

The new Slovak methodology for eutrophication assessment (used the first time in the current Reporting

period) is based on the European principles introduced in Guidance document No 23 (Eutrophication

Assessment in the context of European Water Policies). The methodology is type specific, limit values for

phytoplankton (abundance, biomass), phytobenthos (CEE, IPS indices) and macrophytes (IBMR index) are used

per type of water body.

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The results of the new method (rivers) show that there were 61% evaluated sites with no manifestation or risk

of eutrophication, 29% of the sites monitored were found to be at risk of eutrophication, and eutrophication

was manifest at 10%.

Saline waters

Not relevant.

Main findings of monitoring programmes in line with Article 5 (6) of the Directive

Monitoring data for groundwater in and outside NVZs originate from the Water Research Institute, the Slovak

Hydrometeorological Institute and from water companies. The sampling rate varies between 1 and 39 during

the reporting period. The number of surface water monitoring sites is smaller compared to the previous period

because the current period extents only over 3 years. The current reporting period is three years (2012-2014)

while the previous report was four years (2008-2011). In 2016, the ‘new’ EU Member States, including

Slovakia, were required to submit their report by 30 June and no longer by 31 October. Slovakia is therefore

making its report four months earlier and could not include data for 2015 in the evaluation.

Pressure from agriculture

The total agricultural area remained stable between 2012 and 2014. Modest changes in the number of

livestock occurred in the current Reporting period (2012-2015) compared to the previous Reporting period

(2008-2011): a slight decline in the numbers of cattle, pigs and poultry (-1%, -8% and -5%, respectively) and a

rise in sheep & goats (4%). When comparing the number of livestock in the current Reporting period to the

numbers in 1990, there is a decrease in the numbers of cattle, pigs, poultry and sheep & goats (-70%, -75%, -

29%, -29% respectively).

The use of mineral N increased by 28% between both reporting periods. The current consumption of nitrogen

(-50%) and phosphorus (-88%) is lower compared to 1990. The annual use of N from livestock manure

increased by 5% between 2012 and 2014.

In NVZs the decline in the numbers of cattle, pigs and poultry between 2012 and 2014 represented -3%, -7%

and -9%, respectively. Increase of sheep & goats numbers in NVZs was 3%. The changes in animal numbers did

not correspond with the changes in nitrogen excretion. The excretion of cattle and sheep & goats did not

change, while the excretion of pigs and poultry increased by 10%.

Controls

The number of farms covered by the Farming Programme (Action Programme) in the current Reporting period

is 1633, of which 686 have livestock. The proportion of farmers where checks on compliance with the Farming

Programme were conducted was 52% per year in the previous Reporting period. In the current Reporting

period administrative checks were performed for 100% of the farms and physical checks on 10% (other than

cross-compliance checks). The percentage of the visited farmers who comply with each measure referred to in

the Farming Programme was close to 100%. Lower compliance was reported for “storage and manure

collection capacity” (90%) and “other” (88%). Implementation of the Action Programme is evaluated by a

number of indicators: nitrogen balance, and the proportion of land not sown. The nitrogen content in manure

or the distance of crops to watercourses are not assessed. The percentage of arable land left bare in winter

was 49% in 2011 and 50% in 2014.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

On 1 January 2005 the designated vulnerable areas have been established. The total area is 13,685 km

, which

is 28% of the national territory and 55% of the agricultural area.

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Member State: Slovenia

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline surface water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with

measurements

198

136

Stations with trends

116

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: June 2016, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September

2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the annual averages and weighted according to

the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10 report.

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Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with average values equal

to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate

per L on average during 2012-2015 and

the previous reporting periods.

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in fresh surface

water nitrate concentrations

between the reporting periods

2008-2011 and 2012-2015.

Eutrophication

Eutrophication is assessed according to the Water Framework Directive (WFD) methodology. The report

presents a one-to-one conversion table from the classification used under this methodology to the

classification used by the Nitrates Directive.

Fresh waters

Eutrophication in rivers is assessed according to the WFD methodology, using the biological quality parameters

phytobenthos and macrophytes, as well as the chemical parameters nitrate and total phosphate. Each

parameter is evaluated, using water type dependent classification criteria. The final assessment of

eutrophication is based on the worst scoring parameter.

The trophic state of lakes is based on phytoplankton, according to the WFD methodology.

Figure 5. Fresh water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 4%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 4%

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Saline waters

The trophic state of coastal waters is based on phytoplankton (WFD). The trophic status of marine waters is

not assessed.

Figure 6. Saline water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period (coastal waters

only, at three sites).

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 0%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 0%

Main findings of monitoring programmes in line with Article 5 (6) of the Directive

Water monitoring programmes (Regulation on the status of surface waters and Regulation on the status of

groundwater) have been adapted to the requirements of the Water Framework Directive in 2006. The report

presents the data from the control and operational monitoring sites. For the current reporting period, the size

of groundwater monitoring network was almost doubled as compared to previous reporting period?. Samples

are taken once or twice a year for groundwater and 4 to 12 times a year for surface water. Two borders

stations were sampled every two weeks.

Pressure from agriculture

Overall, the trends in the agriculture were fairly stable. The total agricultural area remained stable (+1%). The

area of permanent pasture decreased with 4%, while the area of perennial crops increased with 3%. Cattle

numbers did not change, but their nitrogen excretion increased by 9%. The number of poultry increased by

10% while, pigs number decreased by 27%, and consequently their excretion changed by -32% and +2%,

respectively. As the calculation method for excretion changed, the comparison between current and previous

periods should be assessed with caution. Overall the organic nitrogen applied to agricultural land did not

change, and neither did the use of mineral nitrogen.

The gross nitrogen balance (OECD) was 57 kg/ha for the 2012-2014 period, which represents a slight increase

as compared to 49 kg/ha in the period 2008-2011. However, the long term trend from 1992 onwards shows a

small decrease.

Controls

There are 72,377 farmers, of which 57,749 have livestock. The proportion of farms visited in the current

reporting period was 6.5% per year. Furthermore, all farms are inspected administratively for cross

compliance. The report does not include results (compliance or infringement).

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Waste water (industrial livestock breeding plants) sampling increased slightly to 2.63 samples per farm per

year. The proportion of fields without crop cover (excluding specific winter cover/catch crops) increased

slightly to 44%.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

Slovenia adopts a whole territory approach (20,273 km

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Member State: Spain

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline surface water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with

measurements

4132

3903

250

Stations with trends

3035

2916

373

Table 1 shows the number of stations with nitrate measurements. The eutrophication status of fresh surface

waters was measured at 442 locations, of which 437 were also used for nitrate and 5 locations were only used

for eutrophication. The eutrophication status of saline surface waters was measured at 473 locations, of which

250 were also used for nitrate and 223 locations were only used for eutrophication.

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between August 2016 and April

2017, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the

annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10

report.

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Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with average values equal

to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate

per L on average during 2012-2015 and

the previous reporting periods.

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in fresh surface

water nitrate concentrations

between the reporting periods

2008-2011 and 2012-2015.

Eutrophication

To calculate the trophic level in fresh and marine water, the OECD classification of 1982 for chlorophyll-a is

used. For the classes ultraoligotrophic-oligotrophic-mesotrophic-eutrophic-hypertrophic the average threshold

values are <1, 1-2.5, 2.5-8, 8-25, and >25 µg chlorophyll-a /L, respectively.

Fresh waters

Figure 5. Fresh water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 10%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 33%

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Saline waters

Figure 6. Saline water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 18%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hyper-trophic: 11%

Main findings of monitoring programmes in line with Article 5 (6) of the Directive

Water management and agricultural policies are shared between the state and Autonomous Communities

(CCAA). The sampling and water monitoring, is done by CCAA’s (intracommunity basins) and the state (inter

basins). The demarcation between intra and intercommunity basins is given in hydrological plans which are

royal decrees. The reporting is done by the state. All monitoring locations have been included in the Program

Monitoring and Control of the Water Framework Directive.

Pressure from agriculture

The national nitrogen balance was 15.8 kg/ha for the period 2012-2013, which is slightly higher than the

previous reporting period (2008-2011) when it was 13.7 kg/ha. On the longer term, in the period between

2000 and 2013, there was a decrease of the nitrogen balance from 23 to 14 kg/ha. According to the report

submitted by Spain, this long term improvement is explained by a lower use of mineral N fertilisers, a lower

number of livestock, as well as the growth of organic farming.

All other indicators such as agricultural areas, animal numbers and excretion data are presented for the NVZ

areas within a specific CCAA. The data are incomplete and show a large variation between reporting periods.

Considering only the CCAAs with reliable data for both reporting periods (Aragon, Baleares, Castilla La Mancha,

Estremadura, La Rioja, Murcia, Navarra and Valencia), the average nitrogen excretion increased by 29% for

cattle, decreased by 14% for pigs and increased by 23% for poultry.

Controls

Inspections in most NVZs have been reported per CCAA. No or hardly any data are available for the Canary

Islands and Castilla y León. The proportion of visited farms varied from 1 to 4%. The proportion of compliance

varied from 72 to 100%, but was mostly above 90%. There are some typical regional differences, e.g. for

Madrid the compliance was 77% for all measures, while Navarra showed 100% compliance for all measures.

Averaged over all regions, all measures scored between 90 and 100%, with no extreme low or high

compliances.

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Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

Spain has 80,702 km

of NVZ, which is 16% of the national territory and 35% of the agricultural area. In the

current reporting period (2012-2015) changes were made in the regions Aragon, Catalonia, Madrid, and Pais

Vasco. Compared to the previous period (81,699 km

), the area had decreased by 997 km

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Member State: Sweden

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline surface water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with

measurements

436

2792

184

Stations with trends

There are 35 stations for which the locations were not disclosed as they are drinking water intake locations. It is assumed that

these locations are not located inside a NVZ.

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between June 2016 and March

2017, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the

annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10

report.

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Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with average values equal

to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate

per L on average during 2012-2015 and

the previous reporting periods.

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in fresh

surface water nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011

and 2012-2015.

Eutrophication

Fresh waters

The trophic level of surface waters, rivers and lakes, is classified using total P concentrations in five different

classes: oligotrophic, mesotrophic, slightly eutrophic, strongly eutrophic and hypertrophic. The report does not

state which methodology is used by Sweden for the re-classification into Nitrate Directive trophic states.

Figure 5. Fresh water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 15%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 14%

Saline waters

The trophic level of transitional waters was assessed by an expert assessment on the basis of various

classifications according to: the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the Water Framework Directive,

and to international assessments (HELCOM, OSPAR). The HELCOM and OSPAR classification is based on nitrate,

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phosphate, chlorophyll and oxygen. The Report summarizes the current eutrophication status, as shown in

Table 2.

Area

Skagerak deep-sea areas

Skagerak coastal areas

Kattegat deep-sea areas

Kattegat coastal areas

Baltic Proper

Southern part of the Gulf of Bothnia

Northern part of the Gulf of Bothnia

Status

Good

Moderate

Unsatisfactory

Good

Table 2. Weighted expert assessment of eutrophication levels of saline waters

based on the status classifications available both nationally and internationally

(exact period was not reported).

Main findings of monitoring programmes in line with Article 5 (6) of the Directive

The Department for Environment Analysis (SLU) is the data host for freshwater (lakes and watercourses), the

Geological survey of Sweden (SGU) is the host for groundwater and Swedish Meteorological and the

Hydrological Institute (SMHI) for coastal and marine waters.

Since 2007, investigations of lake water quality have been carried out annually as part of the national

environmental monitoring programme involving cyclical sampling of lakes. The programme covers

approximately 4,800 lakes and one sixth of them are sampled every year. In addition, there are approximately

280 regional supplementary lakes that have been added according to the same principle and are therefore

included in the evaluation together with the national programme. Results on rivers are reported from a total

of 186 stations. The watercourses have been sampled at least 12 times a year.

The report states that groundwater monitoring is based on 80 stations that are sampled several times a year,

and larger (but unreported) number of stations which are sampled once every six years. Around a third of the

stations are considered to be located in close proximity of agricultural land.

Pressure from agriculture

Statistical data about animal numbers and livestock manure are given for 2009 and 2013 only. The total

agricultural area remained constant. The number of cattle and pigs decreased by 3% and 8%, respectively. The

numbers of poultry and sheep increased by 33% and 7%, respectively. The amount of nitrogen from manure

increased by 4%. The annual use of mineral N fertilizer decreased by 1%.

Between 2009 and 2014 the area of the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) increased by 40% while the total use

of livestock manure in the NVZ is 20% higher than outside the NVZ. The proportion of agricultural land in the

current NVZ comprises 50% of the agricultural holdings, 60% of the large livestock holdings (>10 livestock

units), 72% of the total agricultural land, 73% of arable land, 62% of the pasture, 60% of cattle, 90% of pigs,

84% of poultry and 65% of the sheep.

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Controls

The implementation of the Action Programme (AP) is evaluated on the basis of monitoring of cross-

compliance, and on the basis of agricultural statistics of nitrogen fertilisation, storage capacity, difference

between input and output of nitrogen, and trend analysis of agriculture-affected watercourses. The

management requirements for cross compliance include the provisions for the Nitrate Directive. The total

numbers of controls are approximately 554 per year. The number of non-conformities for manure

management, livestock density and application of manure were 4%, 1%, and 6%, respectively.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

Sweden has currently designated 94,742 km

as NVZ, which is 23% of the national territory. NVZs were first

designated in 1995, and have been adjusted four times. The size of the NVZs were extended in 2002, 2003 and

2013 (also some areas ceased to be a NVZ). A further addition applies from 1 April 2016 (2,484 km

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Member State: United Kingdom

United Kingdom - England

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline water stations

Table 1 Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with

measurements

2522

6460

424

Stations with trends

2163

4226

391

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between September 2016 and

May 2017, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from

the annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article

10 report.

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Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with average values

equal to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg

nitrate per L on average during 2012-

2015 and the previous reporting periods.

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in fresh surface

water nitrate concentrations

between the reporting periods

2008-2011 and 2012-2015.

Eutrophication

The assessment of the trophic status of rivers, lakes, and transitional and coastal water is based on

orthophosphate and chlorophyll-a. The report presents tables and maps of averages and trends of the

eutrophication parameters but does not assign an eutrophication status to the water bodies.

% of points (mg PO

/L)

Rivers and lakes

annual average

Transitional/coastal/marine

annual average

% of points (µg chlorophyll-a/L)

Rivers and lakes

summer average

Transitional/coastal/marine

Summer average

<=0.1

48.4%

81.4%

>0.1 to

<=0.5

41.1%

15.8%

>0.5 to

<=1

6.6%

2.4%

>8 to

<=25

32%

17%

>1 to

<=2

2.8%

0.2%

>25 to

<=75

13%

1.1%

0.2%

<=2

>2 to <=8

51%

67%

>75

Table 2. Orthophosphate concentrations (upper table, mg PO

/L) and chlorophyll-a mean summer

concentrations (lower table, µg/L) for the current Reporting period.

The trends between the previous and current Reporting period show predominantly stable water quality for

orthophosphate, but an increasing concentration of chlorophyll-a.

Main findings of monitoring programmes in line with Article 5 (6) of the Directive

The majority of sites are monitored as part of a regular monitoring programme with frequent sampling with

the major supply sites being sampled most frequently. Further details are not reported.

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Pressure from agriculture

Compared to the previous reporting period the total agricultural area in the current reporting period increased

by 1%. The annual use of N from animal manure mineral fertilizer N was not reported (only aggregated data

for fertilizer use in England and Wales). The mineral fertilizer use on grass and arable land decreased by 6%

and 1%, respectively, between 2015 and 2011. The farm numbers changed by less than 1% when comparing

the current and previous Reporting period. The number of cattle decreased by 4%, while the number of pigs

and poultry increased by 6% and 4%, respectively. Nitrogen excretion changed accordingly for the different

types of animals. It is reported that in addition to livestock manure, digestate (agricultural and food-based

feedstocks) and compost (food waste and green compost) are increasingly being applied to agricultural land.

According to different surveys, 92 kt N of digestate (2013) and 192 kt N of compost (2012) was applied to

agricultural land in England and Wales, compared to 305 kt N from animal manures (England only).

In the NVZs the annual use of N from animal manure decreased by 5% and cattle numbers decreased by 9%.

The changes in number of pigs (+4%) and poultry (+6%) were comparable to the whole territory.

Controls

In the previous Reporting period, 4% of the farmers concerned were visited for a full assessment of all

measures, compared to 2.4% in the current Reporting period. Additionally, during this Reporting period 1.8%

of the farmers in NVZ were checked for farm record keeping only. In the current Reporting period, 77% of the

farmers complied with all measures, which is less than 95% in the previous Reporting period. Compliance is

above 96% except for record keeping (70%). The impact of the Action Program is assessed by comparing

practices in NVZs with England as a total. While inputs are similar, the percentage of farmers with a nutrient

management plan using a recognised method is 47% in NVZs and 36% in the whole territory.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

In the current Reporting period England had designated 74,666 km

, which is 58% of the total territory and

62% of the agricultural area. A review of the NVZs was completed during the current Reporting period. The

area of NVZs was changed from 2013; the total designated area is 8% smaller than the designated area in the

previous Reporting period (81,106 km

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United Kingdom - Scotland

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with

measurements

314

431

Stations with trends

289

209

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between July 2016 and May

2017, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the

annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10

report.

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Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with average values equal

to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate

per L on average during 2012-2015 and

the previous reporting periods.

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in fresh surface

water nitrate concentrations

between the reporting periods

2008-2011 and 2012-2015.

Eutrophication

The assessment of the trophic status is based on orthophosphate, chlorophyll-a and (not specified) bio-

indicators. This accords with the UK approach for identifying waters as “eutrophic, or which may become

eutrophic”, as set out in the guidance document “UK Supplement to Agreed Criteria for identifying Sensitive

Areas (Eutrophic) & Polluted Waters Eutrophic” (Anon.).

On the basis of the assessment one water body in Scotland (Montrose basin), situated within a NVZ, has been

identified as eutrophic or likely to become eutrophic.

2008-

2011

2012-2015

Rivers and lakes

Transitional/coastal/marine

Total

Table 2. Number of water bodies identified as eutrophic or likely to

become eutrophic during the previous and current reporting period.

Main findings of monitoring programmes in line with Article 5 (6) of the Directive

The report does not present details about the organisation of the monitoring network.

Pressure from agriculture

Compared to the previous Reporting period , in the current Reporting period the total agricultural area

decreased by 12% whereas the areas available for manure decreased by 1%. The annual use of N from animal

manure decreased by 1% while the use of mineral N increased by 13%. The farm numbers decreased by 2%,

but the number of farms with livestock increased by 28%. Cattle numbers were stable, whereas sheep, pigs

and poultry numbers decreased by 2%, 16% and 2%, respectively. Nitrogen excretion by animal category for

the whole of Scotland was only reported for the current Reporting period.

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Agricultural pressures inside NVZs are only reported for the current Reporting period.

Controls

In Scotland 1% of the farmers in the NVZs are visited each year, resulting in 382 inspections in this Reporting

period. Overall, 86% of the farms complied with all requirements. The individual measure with the lowest

compliance (94%) was the maximum N use.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

In Scotland the four current NVZs (11,256 km

) cover 14% of the total land area and 17% of the agricultural

land. A review in 2013 has resulted in a new NVZ and addition of a new area to an existing NVZ (designated

from 1 January 2016), and removal of some areas (5 February 2015). As these changes did not come into force

until February 2015, these are not included in the report.

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United Kingdom - Wales

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with measurements

247

1182

188

Stations with trends

167

791

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between July 2016 and May

2017, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the

annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10

report.

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Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with average values

equal to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg

nitrate per L on average during 2012-

2015 and the previous reporting periods.

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in fresh surface

water nitrate concentrations

between the reporting periods

2008-2011 and 2012-2015.

Eutrophication

The assessment of the trophic status of rivers, lakes, and transitional and coastal water is based on

orthophosphate and chlorophyll-a. The report presents tables and maps of averages and trends of the

eutrophication parameters but does not assign an eutrophication status to the water bodies.

% of points (mg PO

/L)

Rivers and lakes

0 to 0.1

>0.1 to 0.5

>0.5 to 1

>1 to 2

annual average

Transitional/coastal/marine

annual average

0.6

0.2

0.1

% of points (µg chlorophyll-a/L)

Rivers and lakes

0 to 2

>2 to 8

>8 to 25

>25 to 75

>75

summer average

Transitional/coastal/marine

Summer average

0.5

Table 2. Orthophosphate concentrations (upper table; mg PO

/L) and Chlorophyll-a mean summer concentrations (lower

table; µg/L) for the current Reporting period.

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The trends between the previous and current Reporting period show predominantly stable water quality for

orthophosphate, and a significant proportion of stations with stable or increasing concentrations of

chlorophyll-a.

Main findings of monitoring programmes in line with Article 5 (6) of the Directive

The organisation and frequency of the sampling are not reported except that the sampling frequency is stated

as “variable, with the major water supply sites being sampled most frequently”.

Pressure from agriculture

Compared to the previous reporting period the total agricultural area in the current reporting period increased

by 7%. The farm numbers increased by 5%. The number of cattle decreased by 2%, while the number of pigs

and poultry increased by 7% and 2%, respectively.

Nitrogen excretion was not reported. The annual use of N from animal manure and mineral fertilizer N was not

reported (only aggregated data for fertilizer use in England and Wales). Fertilizer N application to grass

decreased from around 100 kg/ha in 2000 to around 60 kg/ha in 2008, and remained fairly stable since then.

It is reported that in addition to livestock manure, digestate (agricultural and food-based feedstocks) and

compost (food waste and green compost) are increasingly being applied to agricultural land. According to

different surveys, 92 kt N of digestate (2013) and 192 kt N of compost (2012) was applied to agricultural land

in England and Wales.

Inside NVZs, on averagecattle numbers increased by 27%, pig numbers decreased by 35% and poultry

increased by 131% compared to the previous Reporting period.

Controls

In Wales, 4% to 6% of the 800 farms were visited annually in the NVZ in the current Reporting period. The

measure with the lowest compliance was record keeping (93%) and compliance with other measures was near

to 100%.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

In 2013, following a review of the water quality, the NVZ area increased from 444 km

to 479 km

. The current

NVZs cover 2.3% of the total land area and 2.5% of the agricultural land. A further review is underway and new

NVZs are expected in 2017.

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United Kingdom - Northern Ireland

Water quality

Water monitoring stations

Description

Total groundwater stations

Total fresh surface water stations

Total saline water stations

Table 1. Number of water monitoring stations

Stations with

measurements

338

Stations with trends

322

Groundwater quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 1. Percentage of groundwater

stations with average values equal to or

exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg nitrate per L

during the current and previous

reporting periods. Results are presented

for all groundwater stations (at different

depths).

Figure 2. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in average

groundwater nitrate

concentrations between the

reporting periods 2008-2011 and

2012-2015.

Water quality data are based on data submitted by the Member States through EIONET (RP6: submission between July 2016 and May

2017, RP5: May 2013, RP4: September 2009). Average nitrate concentrations for each Reporting Period were calculated from the

annual averages and weighted according to the number of annual measurements. Other information is taken from the MS article 10

report.

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Surface water quality

Nitrates concentration

Trends in nitrates concentration

Figure 3. Percentage of fresh surface

water stations with average values

equal to or exceeding 25, 40 or 50 mg

nitrate per L on average during 2012-

2015 and the previous reporting periods.

Figure 4. Percentage of stations

with decreasing, stable or

increasing trends in fresh surface

water nitrate concentrations

between the reporting periods

2008-2011 and 2012-2015.

Eutrophication

Eutrophic waters are identified using Water Framework Directive (WFD) nutrient standards and Biological

Quality Element (BQE) classification tools which are known to be sensitive to nutrient enrichment. The WFD

status is converted one-to-one to Nitrates Directive trophic status.

Fresh waters

The assessment of the trophic status of rivers is based on soluble reactive phosphorus. The status of lakes is

based on the lowest trophic class for total phosphorus or chlorophyll-a.

Figure 5. Fresh water eutrophication classification during the previous (rivers only) and current (rivers and lakes)

reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 15%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 7%

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Saline waters

The assessment of the trophic status of transitional and coastal water is based on dissolved inorganic nitrogen,

dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a and macroalgae.

Figure 6. Saline water eutrophication classification during the previous and current reporting period.

Aggregated values for 2008-2011, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 24%

Aggregated values for 2012-2015, Eutrophic and Hypertrophic: 25%

Main findings of monitoring programmes in line with Article 5 (6) of the Directive

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has responsibility for monitoring water

quality which includes providing monitoring data collected from surface waters and groundwater across

Northern Ireland. In 2009, the surface freshwater monitoring network was revised to include broadening of

the monitoring coverage in Northern Ireland under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) for the period 2009

- 2014. The proposal aimed to reduce the numbers of monitored sites from 579 to 528 whilst continuing to

fulfil monitoring obligations under Water Framework Directive (WFD), Freshwater Fish Directive (FFD) and

Nitrates Directive (ND). Further financial constraints, however, have led to additional revisions of the surface

freshwater monitoring network. In 2010, the new monitoring approach incorporated monthly sampling at a

reduced number of core sites (258) with the remainder of sites (270) monitored for 2 years within the 6-year

River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) cycle on a rolling programme basis (2009 - 2014). The average number

of monthly samples analysed for nutrients reduced from 579 to an average of 348 in each year. Due to further

current resources and budgetary constraints, changes to the monitoring program were implemented in 2015

for the second 6-year cycle of the River Basin Management Plan (RBMP: 2015 - 2021). Although WFD

surveillance stations (monitoring sites) will continue to be sampled monthly, the remainder of the stations is

sampled on a quarterly basis, i.e. 4 samples per year. In 2015, the average number of monthly samples

analysed for nutrients was 157, while 368 stations were monitored quarterly.

The monitoring of the transitional and coastal marine water bodies has also undergone a change from a

network of localised eutrophication monitoring points which were associated with known pressures and

specific areas of concern to a network of monitoring sites to provide adequate coverage of all Northern Ireland

transitional and coastal marine water bodies. Northern Ireland marine waters (both transitional and coastal)

are now assessed for nutrient and ecological status using the WFD classification tools. The nutrient tool is

based on the Oslo/Paris convention (OSPAR) criteria.

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Regional monitoring of groundwater across Northern Ireland began in 2000. A major review of the

groundwater monitoring network was undertaken in 2007 to ensure that the requirements of the WFD would

be met. There were no major changes in the current Reporting period.

Pressure from agriculture

Compared to the previous Reporting period the total agricultural area did not change in the current Reporting

period. The annual use of N from animal manure increased by 1% and also the use of mineral N increased by

4%. Cattle numbers did not change, while the number of sheep, pigs and poultry increased by 2%, 18% and

14%, respectively. Nitrogen excretion changed accordingly. Farm numbers increased by 2%.

Controls

Controls are carried out as part of the Cross compliance regulations and additional specific checks on

compliance with the Nitrate Action Programme (NAP). The percentage of farms visited each year varied

between 1.3% and 2.1% in the current Reporting period. Compliance with land application restrictions is above

94% except for Nitrogen fertilizer entering a waterway or groundwater (79%) and livestock manure storage

requirements (82%).

The nitrogen efficiency for agriculture in Northern Ireland is used as measurable criterion for the impact of the

NAP. The N efficiency is 23.2% in the current Reporting period, 0.3% higher compared to the previous

Reporting period.

Designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs)

Northern Ireland applies a whole territory approach (13,500 km

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