Catchment water quality advice
Catchment management monitoring to prevent agricultural pollution
Catchment management aims to prevent the pollution of raw water at the source or within its catchment. ADAS offers catchment management solutions and monitoring, as well as advice on implementing water quality improvements. Our scientists can carry out practical catchment monitoring as well as
- interpret spatial and temporal data sets
- advise on measures to improve water quality in freshwater environments
- carry out impact assessments.
We pride ourselves on providing a holistic approach to catchment management. Our water scientists work with wider ADAS teams such as soil scientists and farm management experts to address problems associated with Diffuse Water Pollution from Agriculture (DWPA).
Service lead
Dr Richard Gooday
Principal Consultant, Environmental Modelling – ADAS Sustainable Agriculture Systems
Monitoring water quality
ADAS catchment management advisors have a long history of developing custom solutions for monitoring water quality on a range of scales. By investigating the sources of diffuse pollutants, we can develop diffuse water pollution plans and undertake analysis and interpretation of water quality datasets.
Pollution modelling
We use a range of modelling approaches to identify effective mitigation measures. We have experience in working with nitrate, phosphorus, sediment and pesticides. By linking with our Cambridge Environmental Assessments (CEA) team, we undertake pesticide risk mapping and the monitoring of losses.
Our experience working on farm means we can carry out catchment walks to identify sources of diffuse pollutants. Our in-depth knowledge allows us to effectively engage with farming stakeholders to put in place measures to reduce DWPA. This includes offering practical nutrient management advice.
Mitigation scenario testing
The ADAS developed Farmscoper tool enables scenario testing of the impact of different mitigation measures. More sophisticated models such as PSYCHIC or APT may be used to produce projections of the impact of change at larger scales both spatially and temporally.
Improve you water quality
Our water scientists provide effective monitoring and advice on implementing suitable improvement plans.
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