1. Nitrates Directive Results of the 2008-2011 Reporting

2. Nitrates Directive (91/676/EC)
OBJECTIVE: reduce water pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources and prevent further such pollution
Art.10 of the Nitrates Directive requires Member States to report every 4 years on water quality results and the implementation of the Directive
Art. 11 of the Nitrates Directive requires the Commission to to report every 4 years to the European Council and the European Parliament on the implementation of the Directive, based on Member States Art. 10 reports
The latest Art.11 report was published in October 2013 and is available at

3. Key messages of the Art.11 report Water quality
- Total number of monitoring stations increased in EU27 (+10% compared to )
- Water quality improved from to
% of groundwater stations exceeding 40 and 50 mg/l nitrates
% of surface water stations exceeding 40 and 50 mg/l nitrates

4. Overview of groundwater nitrate
concentrations

5. Overview of groundwater nitrate
Concentrations (2)

6. Overview of surface water nitrate
concentrations

7. Overview of surface water nitrate
Concentrations (2)

8. Key messages of the Art.11 report Agricultural pressures
- EU overall decrease in animal numbers (for all categories except poultry)
- Intensification of agriculture in some countries (e.g. milk yields rise)
- Developments in animal feeding regimes, with optimisation of Nitrogen flows
- Decrease in consumption of mineral fertilizers
- New challenges ahead (biogas development, intensive horticulture)

9. Key messages of the Art.11 report Action Programmes
- General quality improved (tightened measures, improved methodologies, enhanced enforceability)
- Enhanced awareness, training programmes
- Some challenges remain (e.g. storage capacity, limitation of land application of fertilisers)
- Need of evaluation of effectiveness also in term of timescale of improvement of water quality
- Art.5.5 of the Directive (need to take additional measures or reinforced action if water quality is not improving) should be duly taken into account

10. Conclusions
- Water quality is improving, but further efforts are needed in the most polluted areas and to effectively address eutrophication
- Agriculture is changing, the Action Programmes will need to take into account the new opportunities and challenges
- Need to monitor progress and take appropriate action also in consideration of Art. 5.5 of the Nitrates Directive and of the timescale of improvement of water quality
- The report is available at the following link: