Pollutants, algae and discolouration are the main causes for poor water quality and United Utilities and the Environment Agency will be working with farmers and businesses to change their practices and reverse the trend.
The water company has invited those who could affect water catchment to take part in a series of consultation workshops to discuss what can be done.
Kate Snow, catchment strategy manager at United Utilities, said: “At this stage we don’t know what financial benefits there may be for taking part in a safeguard zone action plan. It’s a new process. However near the River Dane, in Cheshire, creation of a safeguard zone has secured catchment sensitive farming advice and grant assistance for farmers in the area. We need to identify what actions are appropriate for each zone and then focus support to enable relevant land users to make a difference.”