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Water and rivers

We are committed to the responsible use of fresh water in our own operations and want to do all we can to protect freshwater catchments in our supply chains.

Clean water is vital for wildlife, nature and agriculture. It is fundamental to bringing quality food to our shelves. 

Read our Nature factsheetNature factsheet 2024

The bigger picture

~ 40%

only 14%

of the global population faces water scarcity, and water demand is expected to rise 55% over the next 30 years.1

of England’s Rivers are in good ecological condition.2

Our approach to protecting water and rivers

As a leading signatory to the WRAP Courtauld 2030 Water Roadmap, we’re committed to delivering the Courtauld target that 50% of the UK’s fresh food is sourced from areas of sustainable water management by 2030. We’re actively encouraging all our key suppliers to join the commitment. All our UK-based fruit and vegetable growers have obtained LEAF Marque certification, which ensures growers implement comprehensive water management plans, measure and enhance water efficiency, and maintain high water quality standards. By the end of 2025, we expect all 8,000 of our international growers who supply into the UK to follow suit.

We know we won’t be able to tackle and solve the impacts food production has on nature on our own, so a critical element of our work is through collective action projects. To support this work, we’re providing significant multi-year funding to support seven WRAP-led collective action projects located in key sourcing regions. We work with a number of partners on these projects, helping to bring together retailers, suppliers, local action groups and NGOs, to tackle water risks in these regions.

Targets and commitments

30%

2025

reduction in the aggregate water footprint of new F&F products sold by 2030 compared to a 2019 baseline.

All 8,000 of our international growers who supply into the UK will be LEAF Marque certified by the end of 2025.

Tackling water pollution in the UK

We’re working with a number of partners to support collective action projects in some of our key sourcing areas in the UK.

Norfolk

Norfolk, CamEO and Broadlands

The area produces cereals, oil seeds, sugar beet, potatoes, vegetable, salad crops, pork and poultry. It has recently been impacted by prolonged wet weather causing high soil loss and water pollution from agriculture. With funding from Tesco and others, WRAP and the Norfolk Rivers Trust have visited 250 farms and engaged with 5,575 farmers. So far, 192 farms have put in place management plans. 78 interventions have been adopted, including 18 water interventions to slow the flow of water, improve water quality and recharge the aquifer. On-farm measures funded by the project include attenuation ponds & reed beds; under-sowing maize and cover cropping; silt traps; buffer strips; wetland development; invasive species removal/restoration; tree and hedge planting; and species rich grassland creation.

Wye & Usk

Wye and Usk

The Wye and Usk region produces poultry, lamb, beef, dairy, potatoes, asparagus, soft fruit, top fruit and cereals. Water pollution in the area has been driven by excess nutrient (phosphorous) and sediment losses from agri-businesses which has led to algal blooms. Using contributions from Tesco and others, WRAP and the Wye & Usk Foundation visited 189 farms and put in place 41 farm management plans, as well as holding 31 education and engagement activities. We continue to encourage all key suppliers to Tesco in the region to sign up and act on the Courtauld 2030 Water Roadmap and put in place effective nutrient management plans.

Medway

Medway

The Medway region is a major sourcing area for fresh produce, particularly soft fruit, top and stone fruit. The catchment is water stressed, densely populated, and highly altered by human activity, meaning it is less resilient to extreme events. Since 2022 58 farmers have been engaged by WRAP and South East Rivers Trust, with 13 farm management plans put in place. Rainwater harvesting and water storage have been implemented, alongside wetland improvements and tree planting.

Norfolk

Norfolk, CamEO and Broadlands

The area produces cereals, oil seeds, sugar beet, potatoes, vegetable, salad crops, pork and poultry. It has recently been impacted by prolonged wet weather causing high soil loss and water pollution from agriculture. With funding from Tesco and others, WRAP and the Norfolk Rivers Trust have visited 250 farms and engaged with 5,575 farmers. So far, 192 farms have put in place management plans. 78 interventions have been adopted, including 18 water interventions to slow the flow of water, improve water quality and recharge the aquifer. On-farm measures funded by the project include attenuation ponds & reed beds; under-sowing maize and cover cropping; silt traps; buffer strips; wetland development; invasive species removal/restoration; tree and hedge planting; and species rich grassland creation.

Wye & Usk

Wye and Usk

The Wye and Usk region produces poultry, lamb, beef, dairy, potatoes, asparagus, soft fruit, top fruit and cereals. Water pollution in the area has been driven by excess nutrient (phosphorous) and sediment losses from agri-businesses which has led to algal blooms. Using contributions from Tesco and others, WRAP and the Wye & Usk Foundation visited 189 farms and put in place 41 farm management plans, as well as holding 31 education and engagement activities. We continue to encourage all key suppliers to Tesco in the region to sign up and act on the Courtauld 2030 Water Roadmap and put in place effective nutrient management plans.

Medway

Medway

The Medway region is a major sourcing area for fresh produce, particularly soft fruit, top and stone fruit. The catchment is water stressed, densely populated, and highly altered by human activity, meaning it is less resilient to extreme events. Since 2022 58 farmers have been engaged by WRAP and South East Rivers Trust, with 13 farm management plans put in place. Rainwater harvesting and water storage have been implemented, alongside wetland improvements and tree planting.

Norfolk

Norfolk, CamEO and Broadlands

The area produces cereals, oil seeds, sugar beet, potatoes, vegetable, salad crops, pork and poultry. It has recently been impacted by prolonged wet weather causing high soil loss and water pollution from agriculture. With funding from Tesco and others, WRAP and the Norfolk Rivers Trust have visited 250 farms and engaged with 5,575 farmers. So far, 192 farms have put in place management plans. 78 interventions have been adopted, including 18 water interventions to slow the flow of water, improve water quality and recharge the aquifer. On-farm measures funded by the project include attenuation ponds & reed beds; under-sowing maize and cover cropping; silt traps; buffer strips; wetland development; invasive species removal/restoration; tree and hedge planting; and species rich grassland creation.

Wye & Usk

Wye and Usk

The Wye and Usk region produces poultry, lamb, beef, dairy, potatoes, asparagus, soft fruit, top fruit and cereals. Water pollution in the area has been driven by excess nutrient (phosphorous) and sediment losses from agri-businesses which has led to algal blooms. Using contributions from Tesco and others, WRAP and the Wye & Usk Foundation visited 189 farms and put in place 41 farm management plans, as well as holding 31 education and engagement activities. We continue to encourage all key suppliers to Tesco in the region to sign up and act on the Courtauld 2030 Water Roadmap and put in place effective nutrient management plans.

Medway

Medway

The Medway region is a major sourcing area for fresh produce, particularly soft fruit, top and stone fruit. The catchment is water stressed, densely populated, and highly altered by human activity, meaning it is less resilient to extreme events. Since 2022 58 farmers have been engaged by WRAP and South East Rivers Trust, with 13 farm management plans put in place. Rainwater harvesting and water storage have been implemented, alongside wetland improvements and tree planting.

Tackling water pollution internationally

To proactively manage water risks associated with our international fresh produce supply chain, we use the WWF Water Risk Filter. This tool enables us to identify water-stressed regions from which we source our produce.

Green beans

Kenya

Kenya is a key sourcing region for fruit, veg and flowers, green/French beans, cabbage, passion fruit, mangoes and avocados. This has led to pollution from agricultural and industrial activities, loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services and also loss of income and jobs due to environmental degradation. Through the programme, WRAP and WWF Kenya have engaged with 39 farms. Tesco funding will also help the project expand into further locations, in addition to current work in the Lake Naivasha basin.
Mangos

South Africa

Stone fruit, pome fruit, cherries, pears, apples and vegetables are grown in South Africa. The region is impacted by severe water scarcity, critically endangered species and water pollution and litter. Since the project began, 120 farms have been engaged. Tesco funding has supported work on catchment scale water stewardship interventions, clearance of invasive plants with high water consumption, with long term maintenance put in place.
Avocados

Peru - Ica

Peru grows and exports avocados, pomegranate, asparagus, citrus, berries, grapes. The production of these crops has led to water scarcity and over-exploitation of the Ica-Villacurí aquifer. Over-abstraction is driving rapid salinisation of groundwater, and pollution from agricultural fertilisers. Tesco funding has enabled WRAP and IDH to develop ways to harvest water and reduce runoff, including the creation of 100 ha of infiltration ditches, as well as local tree planting. Future work will help to monitor and evaluate the water cycle, protect biodiversity and establish a broadly supported, data-driven water stewardship plan.
Oranges (1)

Southern Spain

In Donana, Spain, salad, stone, soft and citrus fruit are grown. Agriculture is the primary driver of water risks in the area. Water scarcity in the area is caused by the combined effects of climate change and severe droughts, abstraction (some illegal) for irrigation and livestock, and depletion of aquifers. Tesco funding for the project has helped WRAP launch an information sharing platform and host an in-person stakeholder event in January 2024. The project now plans to expand into the Mar Menor/Segura Basin.
Green beans

Kenya

Kenya is a key sourcing region for fruit, veg and flowers, green/French beans, cabbage, passion fruit, mangoes and avocados. This has led to pollution from agricultural and industrial activities, loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services and also loss of income and jobs due to environmental degradation. Through the programme, WRAP and WWF Kenya have engaged with 39 farms. Tesco funding will also help the project expand into further locations, in addition to current work in the Lake Naivasha basin.
Mangos

South Africa

Stone fruit, pome fruit, cherries, pears, apples and vegetables are grown in South Africa. The region is impacted by severe water scarcity, critically endangered species and water pollution and litter. Since the project began, 120 farms have been engaged. Tesco funding has supported work on catchment scale water stewardship interventions, clearance of invasive plants with high water consumption, with long term maintenance put in place.
Avocados

Peru - Ica

Peru grows and exports avocados, pomegranate, asparagus, citrus, berries, grapes. The production of these crops has led to water scarcity and over-exploitation of the Ica-Villacurí aquifer. Over-abstraction is driving rapid salinisation of groundwater, and pollution from agricultural fertilisers. Tesco funding has enabled WRAP and IDH to develop ways to harvest water and reduce runoff, including the creation of 100 ha of infiltration ditches, as well as local tree planting. Future work will help to monitor and evaluate the water cycle, protect biodiversity and establish a broadly supported, data-driven water stewardship plan.
Oranges (1)

Southern Spain

In Donana, Spain, salad, stone, soft and citrus fruit are grown. Agriculture is the primary driver of water risks in the area. Water scarcity in the area is caused by the combined effects of climate change and severe droughts, abstraction (some illegal) for irrigation and livestock, and depletion of aquifers. Tesco funding for the project has helped WRAP launch an information sharing platform and host an in-person stakeholder event in January 2024. The project now plans to expand into the Mar Menor/Segura Basin.
Green beans

Kenya

Kenya is a key sourcing region for fruit, veg and flowers, green/French beans, cabbage, passion fruit, mangoes and avocados. This has led to pollution from agricultural and industrial activities, loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services and also loss of income and jobs due to environmental degradation. Through the programme, WRAP and WWF Kenya have engaged with 39 farms. Tesco funding will also help the project expand into further locations, in addition to current work in the Lake Naivasha basin.
Mangos

South Africa

Stone fruit, pome fruit, cherries, pears, apples and vegetables are grown in South Africa. The region is impacted by severe water scarcity, critically endangered species and water pollution and litter. Since the project began, 120 farms have been engaged. Tesco funding has supported work on catchment scale water stewardship interventions, clearance of invasive plants with high water consumption, with long term maintenance put in place.

Working with our suppliers and farmers in the Wye

The Wye and Usk region continues to face a number of compounding issues, which have all led to a decrease in river water quality. Alongside the collective action work we’re supporting, many of our farmers and growers have already made significant improvements to their farming practices to improve water and soil health in the catchment.

Pexels Victorino 2286776

Potatoes

Tesco potato supplier Branston and its potato growers have invested in water storage, including installing leaky dams and creating on-farm wetlands to slow down water movement.
Eggs

Eggs

Noble Foods have been working with the Wye and Usk Foundation on a constructed wetlands project which stores water when levels are high - such as after heavy rain, and then releases the water slowly minimising soil and nutrient run off. The project helps to slow the flow of water from the site, improve water quality and reduce flood risks.
Chicken

Poultry

Manure management plans have been put in place by our chicken supplier, Avara who are now transporting chicken manure out of the region. They’ve also reformulated their animal feed, reducing the phosphorus levels by 40%.

Cows2a

Dairy

Over the last three years Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group (TSDG) chairman and dairy farmer Dave Jones has invested in improvements on his dairy farm to prevent water pollution. These include under sowing maize together with the Wye and Usk Foundation, which helps prevent soil run off; carrying out extensive soil testing to understand soil health and nutrient levels on his land; investing in infrastructure such as a new silage clamp which minimises risk of run off from manure storage; and changing farming practices to use low carbon fertiliser on fields used to grow forage for his cows.
Asparagus2a

Asparagus

Asparagus fields tend to be open and with little ground cover, which during heavy rain are unable to absorb much water and can be susceptible to water runoff and soil loss. Our asparagus supplier, Cobrey Farms is working with academics at Cranfield University to trial the use of grass waterways to stop soil erosion.
Pexels Victorino 2286776

Potatoes

Tesco potato supplier Branston and its potato growers have invested in water storage, including installing leaky dams and creating on-farm wetlands to slow down water movement.
Eggs

Eggs

Noble Foods have been working with the Wye and Usk Foundation on a constructed wetlands project which stores water when levels are high - such as after heavy rain, and then releases the water slowly minimising soil and nutrient run off. The project helps to slow the flow of water from the site, improve water quality and reduce flood risks.
Chicken

Poultry

Manure management plans have been put in place by our chicken supplier, Avara who are now transporting chicken manure out of the region. They’ve also reformulated their animal feed, reducing the phosphorus levels by 40%.

Cows2a

Dairy

Over the last three years Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group (TSDG) chairman and dairy farmer Dave Jones has invested in improvements on his dairy farm to prevent water pollution. These include under sowing maize together with the Wye and Usk Foundation, which helps prevent soil run off; carrying out extensive soil testing to understand soil health and nutrient levels on his land; investing in infrastructure such as a new silage clamp which minimises risk of run off from manure storage; and changing farming practices to use low carbon fertiliser on fields used to grow forage for his cows.
Asparagus2a

Asparagus

Asparagus fields tend to be open and with little ground cover, which during heavy rain are unable to absorb much water and can be susceptible to water runoff and soil loss. Our asparagus supplier, Cobrey Farms is working with academics at Cranfield University to trial the use of grass waterways to stop soil erosion.
Pexels Victorino 2286776

Potatoes

Tesco potato supplier Branston and its potato growers have invested in water storage, including installing leaky dams and creating on-farm wetlands to slow down water movement.
Dave Jones

Hear from Dave, one of our dairy farmers based in the Wye catchment, on how he prioritises soil health and water quality on his farm.

Tesco Store2

Minimising water use in our operations

We continually look for ways to improve our water efficiency throughout our operations. As part of this work, we have installed a range on water saving initiatives in our stores including urinal controls, sensor taps and flush controls and have saved more than 500 million litres of water since 2015 (representing a reduction of over 40%). We have also installed rainwater harvesting systems and are in the process of trialling water reuse systems to lower our water consumption further.

F&F Staff

F&F

We have made significant progress in reducing F&F's water footprint, achieving a 35% reduction from 2012 to 2020. We are also proud to be a founding member of the Textiles 2030 voluntary commitment, committing to a 30% reduction in the aggregate water footprint of new products sold by 2030 compared to a 2019 baseline. We actively seek opportunities to help our suppliers reduce their water usage, particularly in garment dyeing processes, and improve the overall environmental impact of fabrics. Read more about F&F sustainability here.

Related pages

1 of 2
1 of 2

Source:
1. https://www.oecd.org/about/impact/addressing-water-scarcity.htm
2. State of the water environment indicator B3: supporting evidence - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

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