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Dealing with the Water Framework Directive in the Netherlands

This article explores the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) in the Netherlands, focusing on the measures taken and the challenges faced. It discusses the changing water quality from 1990 to 2020, the role of agriculture in water pollution, and the efforts made to improve water quality. The article also looks ahead at the necessary measures until 2027 and highlights the importance of collaboration between farmers and water authorities. The Deltaplan Agricultural Water Management and its essential components are also discussed.

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Dealing with the Water Framework Directive in the Netherlands

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  1. Dealing with the Water Framework Directive in the Netherlands Jakob Bartelds Farmer President LTO Noord Board member LTO Nederland Environment

  2. Introduction • Water quality in the Netherlands • Situation 2015 • Changing waterquality 1990 - 2020 • Measures taken • Looking at WFD 2027 • What has to be done untill 2027 • Deltaplan Agricultural Watermanagement

  3. Quality surface water 2015 Conclusions 45 % water WFD proof Great task remains

  4. Changing surface waterquality 1990 - 2013 Conclusions Waterquality has improved significant Most effect in period 1990-2005 Agriculture contributes but less than other sectors Agricultural represents > 50 % waterpollution

  5. Measures taken • General • Public: sewagepurification • Agriculture: • 5 thNitrate Action Programme • Derogation 230/250 kg N/ha cattlemanure but • Lowerapplication levels manure/fertilizers • Shorterapplicationperiodsmanure/fertlizers • Mandatorysowing catch crops • Bufferzones (free fromfertilizing/pesticides) alongcanals

  6. Measures taken i.a. • On area level • nature friendly borders along canals • fish passages in canals • raising water levels in nature areas • deviding agriculture and nature water • Sectoral • spraying licence with mandatory education • 3 year mandatory inspection sprayers • stricter technical specifications sprayers and fertilizer spreaders

  7. Fish passage nature friendly border under construction

  8. Nitrate in groundwater 2013 Conclusion 50 % water underagricultural land complieswith N directive level 50 mg/l Exceedings N levels in Southern provinces (sandysoilsand intensive livestock) and North East because of use of relativelylessmanureand more fertilizers

  9. Groundwater quality prospectives under 5 th Nitrate Action Programme untill 2017 Expectations: DischarchesNitrogin INCREASES in clayandpeatsoils DECREASES in sandysoils - DischarchesPhosphorus INCREASES in peatsoils DECREASES in sandysoils Mainexplanation: Manurewillbereplacedbyfertilisers

  10. Looking at WFD 2027 • With unchanged policy the Netherlands will not comply with current WFD goals • 2021 reconsideration WFD goals by regional authorities (provinces/water boards) • Derogation N-directive will be (more) in danger • Costs: €100 mln/y • -/- 450.000 cattle (ca. 25 %) • Increasing public discussions/pressure about legitimacy agricultural production • Conclusion: • Farmers must take measures in addition in order to comply with WFD levels, but • We are only responsible for our part of waterpollution (ca 50 %) • Measures must be cost-effective and economically reliable

  11. Measures 2027 • Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency reports (2016): • stricter general application levels for manure/fertilizers will not help, but causes disproportionate yield depression • measures on area level and sectoral level are more effective and cost-efficient • more collaboration is needed between farmers and water authorities • RDP has to be improved on administrative burdens

  12. Measures 2027 i.a. • WFD priorities on farm/area level • avoiding leaching contaminated water (manure/pesticids/silage) from farm yards and agricultural land to ditches and canals • better water/soil/manure management • irrigation when necessary • improving drainage • improving soil structure, avoiding compacting • increasing humus % • customizing manure composition and application • green/blue services as in RDP e.g. nature friendly borders, agricultural nature management

  13. Deltaplan agricultural watermanagement (DAW) • Essentials: • bottom up process, in stead of top down: farmers in the lead for WFD goals, not only governmental plans witch are dropped • farmers invite local water authorities to participate and collaborate • integrated approach • Combine measures for WFD with farmers entrepreneurship • That means combinations of water measures, improving agricultural structure (allotment), green/blue services • Over 100 projects

  14. DAW i.a. • It only works when: • Policy support from authorities (government, waterauthorities etc.) • Financial support • Investments in effective/competent project management • Public i.g. RDP (very problematic) • Willingness farmers to invest only by win-win

  15. Thank you for your attention

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