The Protection of Water Against Agricultural Nitrate Pollution Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003

This legislation seeks to protect surface and ground waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources. It is designed both to safeguard water supplies and to prevent wider ecological damage in the form of eutrophication of freshwater and marine waters generally. Within areas designated as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones farmers are required to follow a series of mandatory measures detailed within the Action Programmes which are monitored and regulated by the Department of the Environment's Environment and Heritage Service.

For further details on Nitrate Vulnerable Zones or see the Environment and Heritage Service website.