This paper, using Ireland as a case study, examines the relationship between rural economic activities and river water quality. The stipulation from the EU water framework directive (WFD) that all surface waters in the EU must be of ‘good ecological status’ necessitates a quantitative understanding of the major determinants of water quality. Within this context, this paper combines a number of spatial datasets relating to agricultural, land use, residential and industrial activities, to examine the major economic influences on the ecological quality of water resources. It is hoped that providing a comprehensive understanding of the effect of a variety of economic activities that influence the ecological quality of water will be an important tool in the management of risk and will allow for more appropriate land use planning aimed at restoring and maintaining water quality as required by the WFD. Results indicate that the level of forestry, industrial activity, the intensity and type of agricultural activity and the type of wastewater treatment in an area are all critical factors affecting the quality of water resources. The model finds that relationship between agriculture and water quality improved over time during a period where there was substantial legislative measures and financial support to facilitate improved water quality.

本文以爱尔兰为例，考察了农村经济活动与河流水质之间的关系。欧盟水框架指令（WFD）规定欧盟所有地表水必须具有“良好的生态状况”，因此需要对水质的主要决定因素进行定量的了解。在此背景下，本文结合了许多与农业，土地利用，住宅和工业活动有关的空间数据集，以研究对水资源生态质量的主要经济影响。希望全面了解影响水生态质量的各种经济活动的影响将是风险管理的重要工具，并将为恢复和保持水质提供更适当的土地利用规划按照WFD的要求。结果表明，一个地区的林业水平，工业活动，农业活动的强度和类型以及废水处理的类型都是影响水资源质量的关键因素。该模型发现，在有大量立法措施和财政支持促进水质改善的时期，农业与水质之间的关系会随着时间的推移而改善。结果表明，一个地区的林业水平，工业活动，农业活动的强度和类型以及废水处理的类型都是影响水资源质量的关键因素。该模型发现，在有大量立法措施和财政支持促进水质改善的时期，农业与水质之间的关系会随着时间的推移而改善。结果表明，一个地区的林业水平，工业活动，农业活动的强度和类型以及废水处理的类型都是影响水资源质量的关键因素。该模型发现，在有大量立法措施和财政支持促进水质改善的时期，农业与水质之间的关系会随着时间的推移而改善。