The Green Party has launched a plan to clean up New Zealand rivers and lakes, and wants to pay for it by charging for irrigation and other commercial use.

By charging 10c for every 1000 litres, the Green Party aims to raise between $370 - $570 million per year.

The plan includes introducing standards for fresh water, including limits on the amount of water taken from rivers and lakes, limits on pollution and limits on intensive agriculture.

Announcing the plan Green Party co-leader Dr Russel Norman says one of his party’s election priorities was to clean up rivers and lakes so they are swimmable again.

He says regulations covering pollution from dairy farms are not wide enough to be effective.

But the Irrigation New Zealand says that any charges would impose a heavy and unfair financial burden on irrigation users.

A spokesperson reckoned there would be a significant costs to farmers - $40,000 - $50,000 for a 100 hectare farm, and that since most irrigators were in Canterbury, they would end up paying for polluted waterways in other parts of the country.

The Environmental Defence Society has welcomed the plan saying it is essential to set national standards for freshwater.