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Water Net Gain

Water Net Gain

The water net gain (WNG) project is a catchment scheme where farmers are paid to store water on their land in ponds which can act as ‘water batteries’.

We are looking to engage farmers across the Mersey Basin in particular the River Alt and the River Dean Catchments.

Additional ponds and reservoirs collect water which can be:
- Used on the farm/land.
- Released into rivers/streams to improve flows during droughts.
- Provide flood protection by storing surface water run-off in the winter months.

For more information on the Water Net Gain Project click here.

Water Net Gain

As of January 2026 Mersey Rivers Trust's role in carrying out  this project is complete! The Water Net Gain (WNG) farmer survey was conducted between September 2025 and January 2026 to understand farms’ water resilience challenges and opportunities, and to assess farmers’ attitudes toward participating in a Water Net Gain scheme.

To read the full report created by West Country Rivers Trust click here.

Find the summary for the UK Farming community here.

Find the summary for Mersey Rivers Trust here.

Water Net Gain

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