Research highlights
Succinct summaries of the research results as short highlight articles.
Farm management
Farming practices
Review of measures to decrease nitrate pollution of drinking water sources [D4.1]
Measures to decrease nitrate pollution of drinking water resources are reviewed and assessed. The work builds on insights and results gathered in EU-wide and global projects and studies. It provides an overview and assessment of the effectiveness and efficiency of measures aimed at decreasing nitrate pollution of drinking water reservoirs.
Measures to reduce diffuse pesticide pollution from agricultural land [D4.2]
The effectiveness of on-field management measures to reduce diffuse pesticide pollution reviewed using data from a literature analysis and experiences from 8 of FAIRWAY's case studies.
Management practices that reduce nitrate transport [D4.3a]
The effectiveness of management measures for reducing NO3 losses to ground- and surface water resources assessed by combining (i) a synthesis of existing review papers, (ii) a meta-analysis of available data from literature and (iii) practice-based knowledge from nine case studies across Europe.
Management practices that reduce pesticide transport [4.3b]
To achieve reduction of pesticide pollution in water sources, measures should also include farm system redesign, reduced inputs and regional or national approaches to facilitate a sustainable farming system.
Monitoring & indicators
Agri-drinking water quality indicators and IT/sensor techniques [D3.1]
A survey of ADWIs currently used in the FAIRWAY case studies enabled the identification of the most promising indicators that can be used to support central and local administration, policy-makers and water companies in analysing diffuse pollution and selecting measures to protect drinking water resources.Use of passive samplers in drinking water catchments [D3.1]
FAIRWAY explored the potential of passive samplers to monitor pesticide concentrations in real-world scenarios, both in surface waterbodies and groundwater. Here we briefly explore passive samplers and compare their use with that of spot sampling for routine water quality monitoring.
Evaluating agri-drinking water quality indicators in three case studies [D3.2R]
Three of the FAIRWAY case studies, two in Denmark (Aalborg and Tunø) and one in France (La Voulzie) had sufficient data (i.e. long-term series of water quality in groundwater in combination with nitrogen (N) pressure indicators) to allow the analysis of a shortlist of nitrogen, pesticide and link indicators.
Database containing harmonized data sets [D3.3]
Harmonized data sets were prepared for water quality monitoring of drinking water resources, and a readily usable database was developed from them.
Decision support tools
Survey and review of existing decision support tools [D5.1]
A comprehensive overview was made of decision support tools (DSTs) used by farmers, farm advisors, water managers and policy makers in the EU for water, nutrient and pesticide management. These were assessed by the Multi Actor Programme (MAP) leaders for their potential suitability in managing water quality within the FAIRWAY case study catchments.
Evaluation of decision support tools [D5.2]
A comprehensive evaluation of selected European decision support tools (DSTs) at the FAIRWAY case study sites. This evaluation provided information and input data for the development of the Decision Support Tool Framework.
Assessments of costs and benefits using decision support tools [D5.3]
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Decision support tool framework [D5.4, D5.7]
Short introductory leaflet to the contents and use of FAIRWAY's decision support tool framework. Available also in DE, DK and NL
SprayDay: mobile app for infrequent pesticide users [D5.5]
The development of a phone app to provide guidance to infrequent pesticide users on the application, disposal and environmental risks associated with the use of different pesticides for weed and pest control.
Governance & policy support
Multi-actor platforms
Multi-actor platforms in the FAIRWAY project: summary of activities and experiences [2.2]
Asummary of the FAIRWAY project’s multi- actor platforms, their activities, and some experiences through the course of the project.
Lessons learned and recommendations for Water Safety Plans [2.4]
The FAIRWAY team strives to stimulate the improvement of drinking water safety across the European Union by sharing context, best practices and lessons learned on Water Safety Planning (WSP) for both small and large water supplies.
Advancing MAPs as vehicles for resolving issues on drinking water pollution from agriculture [D2.5]
A summary of the FAIRWAY project’s multi-actor platforms, their activities, and some experiences through the course of the project.
Policy & governance
Drinking water protection: coherence in EU law and policy [6.1R]
FAIRWAY has identified important inconsistencies in the EU legal and policy framework that weaken the protection of our drinking water resources against agricultural pollution. This framework needs be improved through increased cross-referencing and better coherence to ensure EU law and policy that is better fit-for-purpose to ensure sustainable agriculture in Europe.
Governance arrangements in case studies [6.2R]
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Effectiveness of EU legislation in the context of local realities [6.3R]
Over the last decades, nutrients and pesticides have proved to be a major source of pollution of drinking water resources in Europe. Extensive legislation has been developed by the EC to protect drinking water resources from agricultural pollution, but the achievement of water quality objectives is still an ongoing challenge throughout Europe..
Cost-effective and coherent management models for drinking water protection [6.4R]
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From farm to drinking water - fit for the future? [6.5]
Five key messages are presented to help promote policy measures that need to be discussed and/or implemented.
Science & policy support
Barriers and issues in providing integrated scientific support for EU policy [7.1R]
Throughout the European Union (EU), high concentrations of nitrates and pesticides are major pollutants of drinking water. Many research projects co-funded by the European Commission have been carried out, but the results often do not influence policy making and implementation to the extent that they should. Here we assess issues and barriers that weaken the role of science in EU policy making and implementation and propose improvements and solutions to strengthen the role of science in this process.
Actors' feedback on practices for improvement of water quality in FAIRWAY case studies and interim project results [7.2R]
Feedback was obtained from the multi-actor platforms on evidence-based practices used to improve water quality in the FAIRWAY case studies. Possible correlations between the EU and local level barriers and issues in providing integrated scientific support for policy regulations were identified.
Recommendation report on the most promising activities, policies and tools [7.3]
The recommendations are drawn from the results of the FAIRWAY research programme, the effects of some of which are modelled using MITERRA-EUROPE and GeoPEARL, integrated assessment tools at national and EU level..
Synthesis report on the iterative process of knowledge and practice exchange in the FAIRWAY project for integrated scientific support for relevant EU-policies [7.4]
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