Water & Pollution Metrics for Food Production: CSRD Requirements
Whether you’re a farm-based producer, food processor, or vertically integrated food business, water and pollution are central sustainability topics. Some organisations report under CSRD directly; others use VSME voluntarily to meet retailer, processor, or lender requirements.
Either way, CSRD brings greater structure to how water is used, where it comes from, and how pollution risks are managed. For food production, this goes well beyond a single water meter reading. This guide explains the key water and pollution metrics expected under CSRD, with a focus on practical, proportionate reporting for food producers.
Why Water and Pollution Matter Under CSRD
Water-related impacts are addressed primarily under ESRS E3 (Water and marine resources), while pollution topics sit under ESRS E2. For food production, these topics are often material because activities directly affect:
- Local water availability
- Water quality in soils, rivers, and groundwater
- Ecosystems downstream from production sites
Retailers and food brands increasingly rely on this data to assess supply-chain risks, particularly in water-stressed regions.
Core Water Metrics CSRD Focuses On
Water Withdrawal
Water withdrawal refers to total water taken from a source during production.
Common sources include:
- Groundwater (wells, boreholes)
- Surface water (rivers, lakes)
- Municipal or network supply
CSRD-aligned reporting typically includes:
- Total volume withdrawn (m³ per year)
- Main water sources
- Location of operations
Metered data is ideal, but estimates based on pump capacity or invoices are acceptable where metering is limited.
Water Consumption vs Discharge
CSRD distinguishes between water that is consumed and water that is returned.
- Consumption: water that evaporates, is incorporated into products, or is otherwise not returned
- Discharge: water released back into the environment or sewer systems
Food producers often:
- Withdraw large volumes for washing or processing
- Discharge a portion after treatment
Even high-level estimates help clarify actual pressure on local water resources.
Water Discharge and Wastewater Treatment
For discharge, CSRD focuses on how water quality is managed, not just volumes.
Relevant disclosures include:
- Whether wastewater is treated on-site or externally
- Type of treatment (basic, biological, municipal)
- Compliance with permits or regulations
Small producers are not expected to publish detailed chemical analyses. Describing treatment processes and responsibilities is usually sufficient.
Pollution Metrics Relevant to Food Production
Nutrient Runoff and Leaching
Nutrient pollution from nitrogen and phosphorus is a major CSRD concern for agriculture.
Typical disclosures include:
- Use of fertilisers (synthetic or organic)
- Measures to reduce runoff (buffer zones, timing of application)
- Participation in nutrient management schemes
If you already track fertiliser use for emissions or agronomy, this information can often be reused. Related concepts are discussed in the pollution topic hub.
Pesticide Use and Risk Management
CSRD does not require publishing exact pesticide quantities for SMEs, but it does expect transparency around risk.
Common disclosures include:
- Categories of pesticides used
- Integrated pest management or reduction strategies
- Compliance with regulatory standards
Narrative explanations are usually sufficient, especially when supported by certifications or schemes.
Process Effluents and By-Products
Food processing can generate:
- Organic effluents
- Cleaning chemicals
- By-products entering wastewater streams
Good practice is to document:
- Main types of effluents
- How they are treated or disposed of
- Any known risks or incidents
This supports both pollution and water disclosures without adding complexity.
Reusing Water and Pollution Data Across CSRD Topics
One advantage of structured reporting is reuse.
Water and pollution data often feeds into:
- Resource use and circular economy disclosures
- Biodiversity and ecosystem reporting
- Supplier questionnaires from retailers
Aligning terminology and time periods avoids duplicate work. For broader circular context, see the resource use & circular economy topic hub.
Collecting Data Without Specialist Systems
Most food producers manage water and pollution data using:
- Utility bills and invoices
- Farm or processing records
- Permit documentation
- Annual summaries
CSRD does not require real-time monitoring or advanced software for SMEs. Consistency and clarity are the priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do small food producers need water meters everywhere?
No. Metering is helpful but not mandatory. Reasonable estimates with clear explanations are acceptable under CSRD and VSME.
Is water discharge reporting required if we use municipal treatment?
You should still explain that wastewater is discharged to a municipal system and confirm compliance. Detailed treatment data is usually not required.
Are nutrient and pesticide disclosures mandatory?
If fertiliser or pesticide use is material to your operations, then yes, at least at a qualitative level. CSRD expects risks to be identified and managed transparently.
Can this reporting help with retailer requirements?
Yes. Retailers increasingly request water and pollution data as part of supplier assessments. CSRD-aligned disclosures make these requests easier to handle.
Key Terms
- CSRD – Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
- Water withdrawal – Total water taken from a source
- Water consumption – Water not returned to the source
- Water discharge – Water released after use
- Pollution – Substances or nutrients harming water or soil quality
Next Steps for Food Producers
Start by mapping your water sources and main uses across farming and processing activities. Estimate withdrawal, consumption, and discharge volumes, and document how wastewater, nutrients, and pesticides are managed.
With a clear and proportionate approach, water and pollution metrics become a practical part of CSRD compliance—supporting regulatory readiness, retailer confidence, and more resilient food production across Europe.