Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) 2021 Designations

This dataset identifies Nitrate Vulnerable Zones for implementation in 2021.

The designations are made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of the Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2015 (England). This dataset supersedes the previous dataset ‘Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) 2017 – Combined (Final Designations)’.

Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) are areas designated as being at risk from agricultural nitrate pollution.
Waters are defined within the Nitrates Directive and Nitrate Regulations as polluted if they:
- contain or could contain, if preventative action is not taken, nitrate concentrations greater than 50mg/l
- are eutrophic, or become eutrophic, if preventative action is not taken.

To view maps and NVZ datasheets use 'Check for Drinking Water Safeguard Zones (SgZs) and Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) Interactive Map' Attribution statement: © Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2023. All rights reserved.
Derived in part from geological mapping data provided by the British Geological Survey © NERC.
Derived in part from data provided by the National Soils Research Institute © Cranfield University.
Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database rights 2016.
Derived in part from data provided by the Department for the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs © Crown 2016 copyright Defra.
Derived in part from data provided by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology © NERC.
Derived in part from data provided by UK Water Companies.