Policy paper

Lower Mersey abstraction licensing strategy

The Environment Agency's approach to managing new and existing abstraction and impoundment within the Lower Mersey catchment.

• From: Environment Agency
• Published: 28 February 2013
• Last updated: 10 July 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 10 July 2026

     Updated the abstraction licensing strategy so it contains the latest data and guidance. Also changed the publishing format from PDF to webpage (HTML).

  2. 28 February 2013

     First published.

Applies to England

Documents

Lower Mersey abstraction licensing strategy

HTML

Details

This abstraction licensing strategy is for the Lower Mersey catchment in the North West river basin district.

Our approach ensures that we:

• meet river basin management plan objectives for water resources activities
• avoid deterioration within the catchment

Our guidance on managing water abstraction gives the technical explanation, legal and policy requirements behind the strategy.

Please see our guidance if you need to:

• check if you need a licence to abstract water
• check if you need a licence to impound water
• apply for an abstraction or impounding licence