Understanding the updates to the Farming Rules for Water
In June 2025, DEFRA updated the guidance on how the Environment Agency should enforce the Farming Rules for Water 2018.
Whilst the Farming Rules for Water 2018 remain unchanged, the guidance clarifies the criteria the Environment Agency (EA) should use when deciding whether to take enforcement action.
During an EA inspection, the focus is less on whether a rule has technically been broken; it’s now about whether decisions are backed by sound agronomic reasoning and evidence.
For farmers and land managers, this change in guidance means a stronger emphasis on soil management, and nutrient planning. They need to demonstrate that risks of diffuse pollution have been considered.
Key expectations
Farmers should be able to show that they have:
- Used RB209, PLANET or MANNER-NPK, or a FACTs qualified advisor to plan nutrient applications
- Matched nutrient applications to soil and crop need, backed up by recent (less than 5 years old) soil analysis
- Considered site-specific risks like slope, soil condition, and proximity to water
- Incorporated manures quickly where appropriate
- Established green cover by 15 October (unless there is justification not to)
- Kept clear records showing rates, timings, and reasoning
Reasonable precautions and risk management
The EA will want to see whether appropriate steps were taken to minimise pollution risk, especially for autumn and winter applications. Farmers need to take actual field conditions into account — not just applying by calendar date or routine.
When deciding whether and how to apply nutrients, land managers should consider soil moisture and structure, slope, weather, and proximity to watercourses. For example, a gently sloping field with minimal green cover may pose a greater risk of runoff than a steeper field with well-established green cover. Actions such as incorporating manures promptly, leaving buffer strips near water courses, and alleviating soil compaction, can all help demonstrate good practice.
The guidance recognises that some residual risk is unavoidable, but requires that land managers have demonstrated a considered, evidence-based approach.
Phosphorus planning remains a priority
The guidance highlights that phosphorus use, particularly from organic manures, will continue to be a focus. Repeated applications can raise soil indices beyond crop requirements, increasing pollution risk.
Plans should clearly show that applications of organic manures are based on sound agronomic judgment and will not lead to an increase in the soil phosphorus index beyond what’s appropriate for the soil and crop.
How ADAS can help
ADAS consultants can help ensure your nutrient use is productive, compliant, and environmentally sound by providing expert, evidence-led support. Services include:
- Nutrient and phosphorus management plans
- Soil and manure analysis and interpretation
- Risk assessments and compliance checks
- Record-keeping systems ready for EA inspections
- Practical, FACTS-qualified advice tailored to your farm