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2 Problem Definition: Effects of Rural Land Use on Water Quality

We are observing that water quality in some water bodies (particularly those passing through catchments with mainly agricultural land use) is declining and/or not meeting desirable water quality 'standards' (refer to Appendix 2 for details). A major contributing factor is diffuse discharges from rural land use and intensified agricultural activities. Such activities have economic benefits, but they put pressure on water bodies to cope with additional nutrients (eg, from animal excreta and fertilisers), micro-organisms and sediment. The underlying reason why these activities are impacting on water quality, and therefore the problem we need to address, is a lack of effective action in the management of diffuse discharges of contaminants on water quality, in some catchments. ["Management" in this context includes planning, monitoring, innovation, informing public perceptions/ expectations and research.]

The causal relationship is outlined in the following diagram.


[See this diagram at its full size (including textural description)]


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