Nitrátdirektívával

The Nitrates Directive, officially Council Directive 91/676/EEC, is a European Union law designed to protect water quality from nitrate pollution. It addresses the significant environmental problem of excessive nitrate levels in both freshwaters and groundwater, primarily caused by agricultural practices.

The directive sets a maximum permissible concentration of nitrates in drinking water at 50 mg/L. It also aims to prevent further deterioration and promote an increase in the quality of surface waters, wetlands, and coastal waters affected by nitrates. Member states are required to monitor nitrate levels in their waters and identify waters affected by pollution.

Based on this monitoring, member states must designate "vulnerable zones" where waters are polluted or at risk of pollution from nitrates of agricultural origin. Within these vulnerable zones, action programs must be established to reduce and prevent nitrate pollution. These programs typically include measures such as limiting the amount of manure and fertilizers that can be applied, setting periods when these cannot be applied, and promoting good agricultural practices that minimize nutrient runoff.

The Nitrates Directive has been a significant driver for improving water quality across the EU, encouraging more sustainable farming methods and reducing the environmental impact of agricultural activities on water resources. Its implementation and effectiveness are subject to ongoing review and adaptation by the European Commission and member states.