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Diffuse water pollution is caused by various sources, which are often hard to identify. Individual sources may be relatively small, but the combined effect of numerous sources can be damaging. Diffuse pollution has a greater impact on the water environment than any other source of pollution.

In rural areas, sources of diffuse water pollution include:

run-off from agricultural land containing substances including pest control products, animal medicines, slurry, sewage sludge and manure
run-off and leaching from contaminated land
silt and dust from mining, quarrying, construction and demolition
groundwater drainage discharging from disused mines
incorrect waste pipe connections