The paper describes the approach and methods used during a three-year programme to improve river-water quality in an area seriously affected by agricultural pollution. Low base-flow river systems serving clay catchments exhibit flash characteristics which required long-term permanent solutions to ensure improved river water quality under all weather conditions. The approach which was used needed to identify polluters and convince them (a) that effective remedies had to be found and implemented within a reasonable time scale, and (b) that there would be serious consequences of failure to undertake improvements. The initial contact with dischargers, the attitudes adopted and responses received are considered and discussed. Progress throughout each phase of the programme, the solutions used and the degree of improvement achieved are assessed. Legislative changes during the period of the programme, other factors influencing agricultural pollution of watercourses, and likely future implications of these, are discussed. The success of the programme resulted in the elimination of all major sources of agricultural pollution.
