GREATER environmental awareness and tough campaigns have put the North est at the top of the league, with the biggest recorded fall in water pollution incidents in the country.
The region was successfully targeted by the Environmental Agency in a bid to track down and prosecute individuals or organisations responsible for water pollution in the area.
A lack of rain to wash waste into rivers has played a part in the reduction, along with an increased willingness by the public to report incidents, according to the experts.
Most pollution in the area is down to sewage and fuel waste, followed by organic and chemical waste, according to the figures.
Jeremy Frost, the Environment Agency's North West spokesman, said: "We are committed to reducing water pollution incidents by providing advice to industry, farmers and individuals - and by taking a tough line on those who cause pollution."
He warned: "The agency will be be tough on those who don't heed the advice and polluters will face a bill for recovery of costs as well as prosecution."
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article