Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ)

Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) were areas within Wales that contain surface water or groundwater that is susceptible to nitrate pollution from agricultural activities. They were designated in 2013 accordance with the requirements of the European Commission’s Nitrates Directive 91/676/EEC, which aimed to protect water quality across Europe by preventing nitrates from agricultural sources polluting ground and surface waters and by promoting the use of good farming practices. In April 2021 the designated NVZs in Wales were revoked by the introduction of the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution)(Wales) Regulations with some measures transitioning into law over a period of time. The transition periods do not apply to those farms located in previously designated NVZ where all the measures within CoAPR apply immediately. This dataset is relevant until all measures transition into law.