Farmers can now find out how to save money and the environment with a new water
management guide published by the National Farmers Union in partnership with
environmental agencies including DEFRA.

Waterwise on the Farm is a free guide for farmers and land managers, providing an
insight into the prevention of agricultural water pollution.

The guide, released in time for this week's World Environment Day, gives tips on how
to reduce water consumption highlighting both the environmental impact as well as
cost savings it represents to farmers.

"Farmers cannot take water for granted anymore. It costs too much and there is less of
it," says Shropshire farmer and LEAF vice chairman Robert Kynaston.

"[The guide] sets out tried and tested case studies by real farmers tackling real
problems such as locating leaks, checking drains, installing extra pipe work and
measuring water use. Above all, it gives farmers the chance to think about different
possibilities for saving water and what will work best on their own farms."

The NFU says that an increased number of farmers and growers are aware of the
impact traditional farming has on the environment and look for 'simple practical'
advice.

NFU water policy adviser Anna Hall said: "Using water more efficiently provides a winwin
situation for farmers because it will save them money and benefit the environment.
The booklet is full of practical advice and represents another tool in cutting back water
usage at a time when its cost is increasing.