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Negative impacts of agricultural activity on water bodies cause the necessity to regulate anthropogenic loads by means of water protective measures implementation at watersheds. The measures should be aimed at supporting the balance between the natural stability potential and the level of anthropogenic impact. Identification of permissible impacts on watersheds and water protective measures selection should be preceded by watershed state evaluation.

The method of evaluation of rural catchment areas state both in terms of anthropogenic environmental impact and geo-ecological stability has been developed. Summarized indicators reflecting the most significant natural conditions and specialities of economic activities at catchment areas are proposed as the principle criteria for the evaluation. The method was testing using the results of field investigations conducted in rural watersheds various in terms of anthropogenic impact and natural characteristics. Correlations between parametres of nutrient delivery into water bodies and summarized indicators were obtained. Usage of this method will help to estimate the degree of rural impact on surface water quality and elaborate ecologically optimal management of economic activities at rural watersheds to protect water bodies.