Growers have been recognised as part of the solution in helping to tackle water pollution.

In an announcement made last week, Ofwat said that water company bills and investment included a bigger role for catchment management schemes in helping to tackle diffuse pollution to water.

The announcement, based on business plans published by each water company in April this year, allows for 100 catchment management schemes to take place.

National Farmers’ Union deputy president Meurig Raymond said that striking a balance between continued investment and keeping bills down was a real challenge.

Raymond said: “We’re pleased that Ofwat has recognised the value of catchment management approaches; working in partnership with farmers to help improve water quality could have the potential to deliver at a lower cost to customers in the longer term.

“Our direct involvement in a pilot catchment management scheme, the WagriCo project working closely with Wessex Water and others, clearly demonstrated to us that early farmer engagement, robust evidence and good advice are all key to the success of any catchment scheme.

“We look forward to working in partnership with Water UK and water companies to help make these schemes work on the ground.”

Ofwat’s findings come from its draft determinations, which set out the amount of money water companies will have available for investment and the level of household water bills for the period 2010-15.

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