Catchment Management Solutions

For over 10 years, WRc has supported the Environment Agency to determine whether CSF has achieved its objectives of raising farmer awareness, reducing pollution, and improving environmental quality.

WRc developed a methodology to detect and quantify improvements in water quality in relation phases of CSF advice. These studies were influential in optimising CSF’s monitoring programme, securing continued funding for the CSF Project, and informing Defra’s policy on rural diffuse pollution.

WRc developed a strategic approach to environmental monitoring in catchments affected by diffuse water pollution. A simple, five-stage framework was proposed, in which data-gathering activities were driven by the needs of end-users and evolved in response to changing business needs.

Trialling the framework on two case study catchments identified efficiency savings and identified opportunities to undertake targeted investigations. Following this guidance allowed the client to collect data in a strategic and efficient way and turn it into useful information that supports the delivery of catchment outcomes.

WRc assisted the water industry identify cost-effective catchment based approaches to managing risks from metaldehyde. 

Drawing on monitoring, modelling and anecdotal evidence, the project undertook a comprehensive national evaluation of the effectiveness of alternative measures for reducing pesticide losses from fields and farmyards. The pros and cons of spot sampling, online instruments and passive samplers for monitoring metaldehyde were also reviewed.

Our team compared voluntary, financial and legislative mechanisms for delivering catchment schemes, in order for the water industry to achieve the most effective outcome.

WRc identified, quantified and monetised the likely impacts of catchment management schemes in relation to conventional water treatment solutions.

For a range of land management scenarios, changes in concentrations of nitrate, pesticide, algae and colour were predicted for surface and groundwater Safeguard Zones, and used to model potential capital and operating cost savings. Valuation of wider benefits of the proposed schemes for biodiversity, recreation and carbon storage were also identified.

The results were used to extend the client's catchment management programme to non-owned land.

A combination of catchment management, abstraction management and treatment keeps pesticide concentrations in treated water safe to drink. 

WRc instigated a collaborative research project with seven water companies to explore the threats and opportunities presented by the factors hindering pesticide compliance.

The project improved the evidence base for business planning of future catchment management and treatment operations. It also helped companies fulfil their regulatory reporting obligations to the drinking water quality regulator.