Summary:

Protection of the quality of water resources against pollution of agricultural origin requires multidirectional actions. These include reduction of pollution at its source by introduction, among others, appropriate husbandry in respect of the outbuilding area and arable land. Such actions in agricultural areas are enabled by appropriate agricultural-environmental program packages. They contribute to establishment of constant and sustained development of rural areas by protection of natural environment, natural qualities and cultural heritage. They are also financial tools as remuneration for actions in support of environment protection. This paper discusses the concept of agricultural-environmental programs, particularly considering packages that favour water protection. 188 As exampled by the catchment area of Brzózki water reservoir located in the catchment area of the Pratwa River in Opole Province, advancement of execution of packages for water protection was subject to a quantity and surface analysis. It was demonstrated that the largest surface share in the reservoir catchment area in execution of the package “water and soil protection” is contributed by large agricultural companies (with area over 50 ha). None of the analysed agricultural-environmental applications included the package “buffer zones.” On the basis of the investigation of the reservoir catchment area, it was determined that the package extremely required to be executed, in particular around the reservoir.