This week we focus on improving water standards for human and livestock consumption. A lot of the water we use on our farms and in our homes comes from group water schemes, with their catchments spanning across vast areas of agricultural land.

These catchments are heavily influenced by the standards we hold on our farms when spreading fertiliser, managing weeds, and grazing livestock. Bad farm practice can have serious implications for water quality. Through good farm practice, we can confidently ensure contamination is prevented and we achieve the highest standard of water quality.

The relevancy of maintaining a good water standard is growing as we learn more about its effect on the health of our ecosystems and our ability to maintain a high level of biodiversity. Agriculture accounts for over two-thirds of the land in Ireland overlapping many of these vital catchments. Simple measures taken within these sensitive areas will secure biodiversity for generations to come.

We take a trip to the hills of Donegal to meet suckler and sheep farmer Paul Wilson. We learn about the various measures he has installed on farm to prevent contamination of the Glashagh River, which runs through his land.

William Conlon went west to catch up with Mayo farmer Timmy Quinn. He found out more about the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) and what it takes to participate in the scheme.

At the Moorepark Open Day, Teagasc researcher Pat Tuohy outlines issues with water supply. Jack Kennedy outlines the key points discussed.

Aidan Brennan reports on a diesel-powered heater that delivers instant hot water.